DODOMA: PERSONS with Disabilities (PWDs) have been asked to maximise confidence on whatever they do, as disability cannot deter them from realising their future dreams.
“Despite the different kinds of disabilities we have, still we can do anything because this is not the end of life and disability has never been a source of inability,’’ said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament and Coordination), Ms Ummy Nderiananga.
The deputy minister, who is also a Member of Parliament representing PWDs, was speaking during a special luncheon for over 1,000 PWDs which was hosted by the Tanzania Foundation for Excellence in Disabilities (TFED) in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office.
TFED is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) seeking to inspire people with disabilities (PWD’s) to realise their full potential, putting them at the lead, and empower them through working with the government and other stakeholders to realise their vision.
At the luncheon, Ms Nderianaga noted that with full determination, discipline, education and believing in God, PWDs can be anyone in this world.
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Ms Nderiananga pledged full support in looking for solutions on challenges and hurdles facing PWDs. “I promise you that I will continue serving you daily and night and I reiterate that I love you and I will surely not let you down,’’ she stated.
According to her, President Samia’s government was caring for PWDs by putting up a legal and policy framework that favours them, as well as improving infrastructures including schools, dormitories and health facilities.
At the event, the Deputy Minister said that TFED in collaboration with other development partners had donated several equipment to PWDs including 400 gas cylinders, 20 tricycles, 10-wheel chairs, 100 walking sticks, 60 hearing devices, among others.
Speaking at the event, Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said that out of 3.8 million population of the Dodoma Region, PWDs constituted 12.3 per cent, with 6.5 per cent of disabilities caused by accidents. The RC paid tribute to Dr Samia for providing money for loans to PWDs which has so far transformed their lives.
“I wish to remind you to seize this opportunity so as to improve your livelihoods,’’ she said.
The chairperson of the Tanzania Federation of Disabled People’s Organisations (SHIVYAWATA) in Dodoma Region, Omary Lubuva said PWDs were satisfied with the way President Samia was handling them, especially the loans that have helped them to transform their lives.
