September 2024 News Wrap 

Our work, successes and impact in September 2024.  

Farmers with disabilities, technical experts and facilitators have come together in “AgriLabs” to design adapted agricultural equipment in the South-West region of Burkina Faso.  

They have produced equipment including an adapted wheelbarrow, an adapted tiller and a sowing guide for Blind people and people with visual impairments. 

“The AgriLab allowed us to experiment with working with the tiller. It was a first experience for me. Now I farm with the tiller and can plow four hectares instead of only one. I am happy with this change,” said Somé Caroline de Tambiri, a farmer with a disability. 

The AgriLabs are part of the SPARK programme, led by Light for the World and funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, in partnership with the International Labour Organisation and Procasur Africa. 

Light for the World South Sudan has trained a total of 30 Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs), Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, civil society organisations and government stakeholders in Bor, Jonglei State, to help communities prepare for devastating floods. 

The floods are predicted to be the worst in 60 years, affecting 3.3 million people. When climate disasters strike, people with disabilities are more likely to die, be injured and suffer property damage than those without disabilities. Yet they are “excluded” from rescue efforts. 

The training, part of the “We Are Able” project, focused on building resilience and disaster preparedness, so communities can ensure people with disabilities are better prepared to adapt and respond to climate crisis-related disasters. Light for the World is also distributing assistive devices and supporting people to evacuate. 

Athiei John, a DIF, said: “We have been experiencing many challenges due to floods, but now, with the knowledge we’ve gained, we can plan with our stakeholders and raise awareness in the community about disaster risk management, especially for people with disabilities.” 

Light for the World has taken part in the African Disability Conference, hosted by the African Disability Forum, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Lucy Nyaga, International Director of Programmes, attended, along with Lydia Abenaitwe, Programme Officer on Inclusive Employment, and Daniel Oloo, We Can Work Programme Director.

“Light for the World is proud to be supporting the conference and contributing to meaningful engagement as we look ahead to the 2025 Global Disability Summit,” said Lucy. 

“Topics such as the ratification, domestication and implementation of the African Disability Protocol must stay high on the agenda!” 

“Before attending the Core Life Skills training, I thought I would work as a mechanic. But now, I have changed my mind. The training helped me understand myself better, and I have decided I want to be self-employed, running a car garage and spare parts shop,” says John Mosesi. 

Over the last five weeks, John and 24 other young people with disabilities from Makueni County, Kenya, have been part of the We Can Work Academy, learning important life skills to help them find dignified and fulfilling work.

The We Can Work Academy teaches about self-awareness, setting goals, advocating for your rights, and building communication skills. It also explores employment, entrepreneurship and technical skills, and taking care of your health and wellbeing. 

The training is part of the We Can Work programme, led by Light for the World in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, United Disabled Persons of Kenya, Crosswise Works, Emerging Leaders and Sote Hub. 

Light for the World colleagues have attended the 7th Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) Conference in Entebbe, Uganda. 

Elie Bagbila, Head of Rights and Advocacy, Conny Adoch, Disability Inclusion Advisor, and Naome Akwee, Disability Inclusion Facilitator, were among more than 300 participants.  

The conference brought together experts, civil society organisations and stakeholders, to learn, exchange and advocate for disability rights and the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). 

Elie highlighted the importance of CBR as a tool for achieving a truly inclusive society. “The conference was a unique opportunity to learn, share and celebrate 46 years of CBR’s impact worldwide,” he said. 

“We must continue to push for inclusion and collaboration to ensure that no one is left behind.”