‘Stop stigma against persons with disabilities’

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR Minister of State in the First Vice-President’s Office, Ms Harusi Said Suleiman has emphasised the government’s commitment to promoting the rights of People with Disabilities (PWDs) and their inclusion in development programmes.

In her speech at the 2024 World Day of the Deaf celebration, read on her behalf by Engineer Ussi Khamis Debe, the Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar National Council of PWDs, she urged the public to respect PWDs and eliminate stigma.

The event took place on the small islet of Tumbatu in the Jongowe area of the Unguja North Region, where stakeholders, including students, local and religious leaders, joined members of the Deaf Association of Zanzibar (CHAVIZA) to celebrate.

The World Day of the Deaf is observed on the last Sunday of September to help deaf individuals and their communities find a safe space in society.

This initiative has increased awareness and interest in supporting the integration of deaf people into the community.

The theme for 2024, “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights,” emphasises the importance of advocating for the legal recognition and protection of national sign languages worldwide.

“The protection of the rights of the deaf includes communication.

I urge community members and families to learn sign language to facilitate communication, as they, too, need to participate in national development,” Ms. Harusi said.

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“Deaf individuals have the same constitutional rights as others in all areas of development in the country,” she added, encouraging CHAVIZA to establish entrepreneurial groups to access loans for economic activities.

During the celebrations, CHAVIZA National Chairperson Ms. Asha Ali Haji and Secretary Mr. Abdalla Alawi Abdalla highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by deaf individuals, particularly in communication.

Many people lack knowledge of sign language, hindering effective interaction.

“We lack sufficient teachers in schools, universities, and even Quran schools (madrasas).

This situation limits our participation in national development, job seeking, medical care and other social services,” Abdalla remarked.

Administrative Secretary of Tumbatu Sub District, Mr Khatib Habibu Ali, commended CHAVIZA for organising the event, which serves to remind the community of the importance of respecting PWDs.