Nkomwa Foundation, World Vision partner to train government officials on disability inclusion
By Jonah B. Moyo
GWANDA – A strategic partnership between Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT) and World Vision is set to strengthen inclusive governance in Gwanda District through a disability awareness and basic sign language training programme targeting government ministries and departments.
The initiative, which will run from 17 to 20 March 2026, seeks to equip frontline government officials with practical knowledge and skills necessary to improve access to public services for persons with disabilities.
About 35 frontline staff members and interested officers from various government departments and agencies in the district are expected to participate in the four-hour daily sessions.
The training comes at a time when Zimbabwe is advancing disability inclusion following the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act in November 2025, which replaced the 1992 Disabled Persons Act.
The new law adopts a human rights-based approach to disability and aligns with the Constitution of Zimbabwe, particularly Sections 22 and 83, recognizing persons with disabilities as rights holders and broadening the national definition of disability.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to disability inclusion was also reaffirmed at the Global Disability Summit 2025, where the Government endorsed the Amman–Berlin Declaration and pledged to the “15% for the 15%” target—aiming for at least 15 percent of development programmes to directly support disability inclusion by 2028.
Working alongside partners such as United Nations Development Programme, UNESCO and the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Government has also introduced disability-compliant budgeting guidance and tools to strengthen data collection and governance aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Against this backdrop, the Gwanda training programme aims to translate national commitments into practical action at the district level. Participants will receive disability awareness orientation and introductory sign language training designed to help them better communicate with and serve members of the deaf community and other persons with disabilities.
NFT Director Mr. Pick Nkomwa said the initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to strengthening inclusive public service delivery by building the capacity of key government stakeholders.
“This initiative is part of our commitment to plough back to key stakeholders and strengthen inclusive service delivery across public institutions. Persons with disabilities often face communication and attitudinal barriers when accessing public services,” he said.
He added that limited knowledge of disability issues and lack of basic sign language skills can unintentionally exclude members of the deaf community and other persons with disabilities from critical government services, hence the need for targeted training.
“By equipping officials with knowledge and practical skills, the district will take a significant step toward becoming more disability-inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens,” he said.
The programme is being offered at no cost to government departments and agencies, demonstrating the commitment of both organizations to support government efforts in implementing the National Disability Policy and its 2024–2028 Action Plan, which seeks to mainstream disability inclusion across education, healthcare, employment and social protection.
Once implemented, the training is expected to enhance communication between public officials and persons with disabilities, improve accessibility of government services, and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society in Gwanda District.
Community Podium is the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding NGO Reporting Award. This reflects our dedication to amplifying community voices and advancing public-interest journalism.
