BY DELPHINE ZULU –
FINLAND has applauded the Zambian Government for including the disabled in developmental programmes.
Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Timo Olkkonene said it was gratifying to note that the Government is providing for people with disability.
The ambassador said this at a signing ceremony where his country committed itself to Euros 93 000 towards uplifting the lives of the disabled.
The MoU was for Zambia Business and Disability Network Project and the Zambia Federation of Employers.
“There is need to take care of the disabled people in any country, our commitment is to provide funding to a sum of Euros 93,000 to support the disabled,” he said.
ZFE president Tryson Chisambo has called for increased employment of people with disabilities and that with the support from the Finnish embassy, the Zambian government should continue to help the disabled.
Mr Chisambo said ZFE would focus on strengthening the skills and confidence of companies and employers by making them become more aware of disability issues and develop inclusive workplaces policies.
“Therefore for the period of this project, the emphasis shall be on improving the demand while on the supply side the project shall engage and use some employment agents to prepare and build confidence of persons with disability to improve their employability.
He thanked the Finnish embassy for considering the organisations as partners in their quest to contribute to the welfare of persons with disability and applauded the Leonard Cheshire disability for accepting to be their ally as the organisation embarks on new programmes.