Funding Vital to Building Capacity of the Disabled

Funding is vital to sustainably build the capacity of persons with disabilities

Sustainable funding from donors is essential in building the capacity of persons with disabilities around the Pacific. A good example is the formation of the Rainbow Disability Theatre Group which through external funding was able to establish them in Vanuatu advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities.

Mr. Willy Sablan a participant and representing Vanuatu at the 4th Pacific Regional Conference on Disability in Nadi, Fiji said that through a Disability Rights Fund (DRF) funded workshop he attended, he was able to obtain funding to form the Rainbow Disability Theatre Group in Vanuatu.

“This was made possible because of strong partnership to push for the rights of persons with disabilities.” he said.

Ms. Diana Samarasan the Executive Director and founder of the DRF calls for stronger inclusive partnerships with donors while presenting at the 4th Regional Conference on Disability.

She said according to an online report on global funding; only four percent of human rights funds accounts for persons with disabilities.

“That is tantamount to being, still, invisible. And, as all of you know, without resources, it is hard to push rights forward,” she said.

Ms. Samarasan said it was vital for Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) to create networks with donors and development partners to attract support for their work and donor agencies to establish inclusive framework within their structures to be able to support persons with disabilities effectively.

ENDS

© Scoop Media