| Popis: |
Children with disabilities (CWD) in East Africa experience occupational injustice in its most severe forms. A number of complex and dynamic factors contribute to this injustice including cultural beliefs about disability, a significant gap between policy adaptation and policy implementation, and physical barriers as a result of poverty. Uwezo is the Swahili word for ability, a name suitable for a program created to empower CWD in low-income countries (LIC) and lower-middle income countries (LMIC) to achieve their maximum potential. Uwezo is a community-owned and community-run vocational education program for CWD that will originate in East Africa with the intent to expand globally to serve additional communities in need. Children with disabilities ages 3-16 will learn three categories of classroom and experiential instruction including: education for everyday living, life skills and vocational study. Designed with sustainability as a priority, the program will be presented to community members as a template, intended to be carefully tailored according to the community’s unique priorities and needs. Ultimately, Uwezo has the potential to rapidly shift cultural perception about disability, enhance the local economy, inspire grassroot advocacy efforts, and improve the and quality of life for children and persons with disabilities. |
