In line with its mandate to promote inclusion and strengthen the disability movement in Zambia, the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), last week conducted an Organisational Capacity Assessment of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in selected districts of Muchinga Province.
The assessment was undertaken in Isoka, Chinsali and Mpika districts and aimed at evaluating the governance, operational systems and overall institutional capacity of OPDs. The exercise sought to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening these organisations to enable them to effectively represent and advocate for persons with disabilities.
In addition to the assessment, ZAPD and ILO facilitated a three-day Capacity Building Workshop for OPD leaders at Northern Rock Hotel in Mpika. The workshop brought together selected OPD representatives drawn from all eight districts of Muchinga Province, creating a platform for learning, reflection and peer exchange.
The engagement reaffirmed the importance of strong, accountable and inclusive OPDs as key drivers of advocacy, policy implementation and service delivery at community and provincial levels.
ZAPD extends its sincere appreciation to the International Labour Organization for its continued partnership and technical support in advancing disability inclusion and strengthening the institutional capacity of OPDs in Zambia.
Through collaborative efforts such as these, ZAPD remains committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities are effectively represented and actively participate in national development processes.