By Staff Reporter
BEITBRIDGE – A new community-driven initiative aimed at strengthening disability inclusion, promoting good governance and improving access to administrative justice has been rolled out in Beitbridge District, with local leaders and community members being equipped to champion the rights of persons with disabilities.
The programme, being implemented under the Strengthening Community-Based Organizations for Good Governance and Disability Inclusion in Zimbabwe project, recently saw Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT) conduct a Community Champions Training in Ward 6 of Beitbridge District, bringing together persons with disabilities, traditional leaders, parents and caregivers, educators and members of the wider community.
A similar training is scheduled to be held in Ward 1 as the programme expands its reach across the district.
The project is being implemented by a consortium led by the Centre for Applied Legal Research (CALR) in partnership with the Institute of Young Women Development (IYWD), the Alliance for Community-Based Organizations (ACBOS) and Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT), with financial support from the European Union.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, NFT Director Dr. Pick Nkomwa said the project seeks to build the capacity of community-based organizations while empowering communities to promote disability inclusion, good governance and access to administrative justice.
“In Beitbridge and the other target districts, the project aims to increase awareness of disability rights, improve access to public services, strengthen accountability among public institutions, and ensure that persons with disabilities actively participate in community decision-making processes,” he said.
He added that the ultimate goal is to create inclusive communities where no one is left behind and where persons with disabilities can fully enjoy their rights and contribute to local development.
The training focused on practical issues including disability rights, constitutional rights, administrative justice, accountability mechanisms, leadership, community advocacy, effective communication and constructive engagement with duty bearers.
According to Dr. Nkomwa, the trained Community Champions will become local ambassadors for inclusion by educating communities about their rights, supporting persons with disabilities in accessing essential services, identifying and referring cases of unfair administrative practices, and encouraging citizens to actively participate in local governance processes.
He stressed that lasting change requires collective action from all sectors of society.
“Disability inclusion and good governance cannot be achieved by one organization working alone. They require collaboration among all stakeholders who influence community development and public service delivery,” said Dr. Nkomwa.
He noted that government departments, traditional leaders, educators, organizations of persons with disabilities and community members each have a vital role in fostering inclusive development and strengthening accountability.
The training was chaired by the Office of the District Development Coordinator, underscoring the importance of government collaboration in advancing inclusive governance at community level.
The project, which runs until June 2027, is expected to produce stronger community-based organizations, empowered Community Champions, increased awareness of disability rights and administrative justice, and greater participation of persons with disabilities in local governance structures.
“At Nkomwa Foundation Trust, we believe that inclusive governance is only possible when every citizen, including persons with disabilities, has an equal opportunity to participate, be heard, and access justice. Through this project, we are building stronger communities where disability inclusion becomes everyone’s responsibility and good governance benefits all,” said Dr. Nkomwa.
