Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
Victoria Falls Reporter
The Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of people with disabilities through a range of programmes aimed at fostering inclusivity, independence and equal opportunities.
In an interview with Zimpapers on the sidelines of the ongoing National Disability Expo in Victoria Falls, Mrs Laizah Chourombo, Acting Director of Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare outlined the Government’s multifaceted approach to ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into society.
“The Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare demands the care and protection of persons with disabilities to ensure that rights-based services are provided to them,” said Mrs Chourombo.
She said since the establishment of the Department of Disability Affairs in 2018, the Ministry has rolled out several initiatives to uplift persons with disabilities.
These include educational support, employment opportunities, assistive technologies, and social protection programmes.
One of the key focus areas is education.
“We offer free education for persons with disabilities through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM). After ‘A’ Level, if a person with disabilities wants to proceed to a vocational training school, they can do so with fees paid by the ministry,” she said.
Mrs Chourombo said some beneficiaries pursue degrees up to Master’s level.
Upon graduation, those who wish to start income-generating projects are supported through the Disability Works and Learn Grant, which provides funding for sustainable businesses.
To enhance mobility and independence, the ministry also provides assistive devices such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, hearing aids, and software for visually impaired individuals.
“For those employed, we ensure they have access to all the necessary software on their laptops so they can work independently,” she said.
She said the ministry also oversees the Injury on Duty Desk, which compensates civil servants who sustain disabilities while on duty.
Mrs Chourombo said the National Employment and Promotion Department ensures job seekers with disabilities have access to opportunities across all sectors.
Meanwhile, the Social Development Department administers monthly grants and health assistance for vulnerable individuals.
She said a major milestone was the launch of the National Disability Policy in 2021, which outlines 33 rights-based standards covering education, employment, healthcare, sports, and marriage equality.
“We have established the National Technical Committee on the implementation of the International Disability Policy. We are involving all Government ministries to ensure disability rights are mainstreamed,” she said.
To operationalise the policy, the ministry developed a National Disability Policy Implementation Plan.
As the Disability Expo continues to showcase innovations and opportunities for persons with disabilities, the ministry urged stakeholders, including the private sector and development partners, to collaborate in creating an inclusive society.
