Government Announces Loans, Capacity-building Workshops For People With Disabilities
The government is targeting to provide revolving loans to 1 000 people with disabilities (PWDs) countrywide, according to the Chronicle.
This is part of the broader strategy that has been adopted by the Department of Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to promote, protect and ensure that they enjoy their rights.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima revealed this on Wednesday during the National Assembly Question and Answer session saying this will address problems associated with some PWDs begging on the streets. He said:
The Department of Disability Affairs has procured over 300 assistive devices for PWDs which are equitably distributed throughout the 10 provinces in Zimbabwe. Additionally, the Department of Disability Affairs is targeting to provide over 1 000 PWDs with disability revolving loans and special grants.
Please note, individuals with disabilities will receive loans amounting to US$1 000 equivalent to the prevailing current Zimbabwean dollar rate and PWDs groups of 10 will receive special grants amounting to US$3 000 equivalent to the prevailing current Zimbabwean dollar rate.
Mavima expressed concern over the use of minors by people with disabilities while they begged on the streets. He said the government is considering putting them in foster care.
He said Government will further consider providing capacity-building training workshops on positive parenting skills specifically targeting parents with disabilities who are begging on the streets being accompanied by minors.
