158 graduate at Danhiko

Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology Development Deputy Minister Simelisizwe Sibanda (left) presents a certificate to the overall best student, Tinashe Dehwe, assisted by the regional registrar directorate of quality assurance and standards in the Ministry of Higher Education, Mr Richard Gift Chihuri (right), at the Danhiko graduation ceremony in Harare yesterday. — Picture: Charles Muchakagara

Herald Reporter

THERE must be equal rights to education for people living with disabilities in Zimbabwe, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Similisizwe Sibanda said yesterday.

Speaking at the 16th Industrial Technology College graduation at Danhiko in Harare, the Deputy Minister stated that several government policies reinforce this measure.

“The National Disability Policy ensures that people with disabilities enjoy equal access to education, training, employment and economic participation.

“The National Industrial Development Policy, the SME and Cooperative Development Policy, and the Strategic Framework for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment all support this.

“It is about raising the quality of life for every Zimbabwean, particularly the marginalised. Inclusive economic growth is measured by how well we expand opportunities for all, especially women, youth and persons with disabilities,” Minister Sibanda said.

This year’s graduation had 158 graduates: 87 males (55 percent) and 71 females (44.5 percent) in the areas of information technology, wood technology, clothing design, and electrical installation, maintenance and repairs.

Tinashe Dehwa won the award for Outstanding Best Student with four distinctions and holds a National Diploma in ICT.

“As I am disabled, I encourage other people living with disabilities to venture into different programmes like Medicine, ICT, and others so that we can show our talent in every sector. I was also awarded a scholarship in Computer Science at the University of Zimbabwe,” he said.

The director of the Danhiko Project, Mr W. Mugulula, added: “Today is the graduation day of Danhiko Industrial College. We are excited to have our students graduate, especially students with disabilities who have had limited opportunities.”