Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
[email protected]
THE Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe (LCDZ) organisation is conducting a two-day training workshop in Gwanda aimed at promoting disability inclusion in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives.
The training, which began on Wednesday and ends on Thursday, targets key stakeholders involved in disaster management and community preparedness.
Under the programme, members of the Gwanda District Civil Protection Committee are being trained on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR), while Ward Disability Committees and Ward DRR Committees are receiving training on indigenous knowledge systems and adapted early warning mechanisms.
LCDZ is a non-profit disability services organisation dedicated to building a society where persons with disabilities fully enjoy their rights and realise their potential.
With support from the European Union and CBM Global Ireland, LCDZ has partnered with the Disability Rights Agenda for Transformation (DRAFT) to implement a three-year programme titled Strengthening the Capacity and Functional Effectiveness of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to Promote the Rights of Women and Youth with Disabilities.
The project, which commenced in March 2025 and runs until February 2028, seeks to enhance civic participation and strengthen the advocacy capacity of six partner organisations of persons with disabilities to promote the fulfilment of disability rights at both local and national levels.
As part of efforts to strengthen disability-inclusive disaster risk management systems in Gwanda District, the project is undertaking capacity-building and planning activities targeting key disaster risk governance structures at both district and ward levels, with the training programme being the first major activity.
The training seeks to influence the District Civil Protection Committee to develop and adopt disability-inclusive district disaster risk management plans.
At ward level, the programme aims to identify, strengthen and document indigenous and adapted early warning systems that support the localisation of disaster preparedness and response initiatives.
The initiative will also facilitate the development of guidelines on adapted indigenous early warning systems to advocate for the institutionalisation of disability-inclusive indigenous knowledge and disaster risk management practices.
@DubeMatutu
