ZAPD

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia on November 6th, met with persons with Disabilities represented by officials from Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, at State house. The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities were part of the team that met the president. This is, not the last, but the first of its kind, as the president has pledged to be meeting with the Disability sector atleast twice on an annual basis. The recommendations submitted by the organizations included elevating the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) to the office of the Vice President, expediting the process of implementing inclusive education in Zambia and an urgent need to nominate persons with disabilities to the National Assembly. Other recommendations were to Gazette the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) as a national official public Holiday, ratify the African Disability Protocol, and amend the Persons with Disabilities Act.

Commemorating the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Mongu, at Mongu Stadium. Comemorations kicked off with a Match-past from Bata Shoes at the Town centre to the Stadium. IDPD is celebrated annually on December 3rd, and it serves as a vital opportunity to promote awareness of disability issues and enhance the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities worldwide. This year, IDPD is being held under the theme “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” The theme highlights the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to take on leadership roles and actively participate in shaping policies and practices that affect their lives. It aligns with the broader goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the upcoming 2025 World Summit for Social Development. The focus is on ensuring that persons with disabilities are at the forefront of efforts to create inclusive and sustainable communities, emphasizing their leadership from local to global levels. #InternationalDayofPersonswithDisabilities

The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with World Vision Zambia to promote Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). This partnership aims to address the specific needs of children and adults with disabilities in Zambia. Through this collaboration, World Vision Zambia will implement programs aligned with ZAPD’s strategies for persons with disabilities, as guided by the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012. By combining strengths, the two organizations will enhance inclusive service delivery, leveraging each other’s expertise and resources. At the signing ceremony, ZAPD Director General Frankson Musukwa pledged the Agency’s commitment to ensuring the success of the partnership. World Vision National Director Marc Nosbach expressed hope that this collaboration will facilitate for meaningful involvement of persons with disabilities and provide access to opportunities across various sectors, driving transformational change. This development marks a significant step towards promoting disability inclusion and social equality in Zambia.