DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Federation of Disabled People’s Organizations (SHIVYAWATA), in collaboration with Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa, has urged employers across the country to provide training and employment opportunities to young people with disabilities, saying they have great potential to contribute to institutional development and the national economy when given equal opportunities.
The remarks were made today in Dar es Salaam by the Coordinator of the Youth Employability Skills Training Program (Tuajirike), Grace Kajange, during a meeting that brought together various employers and participants of the program.
Kajange said the project has equipped young people with disabilities with skills that enable them to compete effectively in the job market and increase their chances of securing employment.
“We are targeting graduates from universities and middle-level colleges. Each cohort will consist of 20 participants, and in this pilot phase we aim to reach a total of 140 young people. Participants receive three months of training covering Information and Communication Technology (ICT), curriculum vitae (CV) writing, communication skills, as well as professional ethics and workplace conduct,” said Kajange.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa, Suparna Biswas, said the meeting had brought together employers committed to inclusive hiring practices in order to open doors for young people with disabilities and enable them to participate fully in society.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Mwanabonde, a beneficiary of the program, said many employers have been reluctant to hire people with disabilities due to misconceptions that they are unable to perform workplace duties effectively.
“We encourage employers not to hesitate to hire us because we are capable just like everyone else. What we need is an opportunity to demonstrate our abilities,” Mwanabonde .