The Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) actively participated in the 2024 Global Disability Forum, hosted by World Vision at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. The event provided a platform for MACODA to highlight its collaboration with World Vision through the Able to Thrive Project, which prioritizes addressing specific issues affecting children with disabilities based on their own voices.
MACODA Director General, George Chiusiwa, praised the innovative approach of the World Vision Malawi Able to Thrive Project, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and potentially expanding such interventions to better reach the most marginalized children with disabilities. He recognized the significance of listening to the voices of children with disabilities and tailoring support to address their needs.
The Disability Inclusion Forum serves as a platform that equips participants with knowledge and strategies to advocate for and support individuals with disabilities in Malawi. The event featured presentations by children with disabilities from World Vision Programme areas, who shared their aspirations and responsibilities with the Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Honourable Jean Sendeza. These children represented other children with disabilities in Malawi, amplifying their voices and concerns.
The disability forum, scheduled for July 15th to 19th, targeted to empower participants with knowledge and strategies to advocate for and support persons with disabilities. By bringing together stakeholders and amplifying the voices of children with disabilities. The forum fostered a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.