How Kupenda’s Disability Advocacy Workshops Transform Communities and Save Lives! скачать в хорошем качестве

How Kupenda’s Disability Advocacy Workshops Transform Communities and Save Lives!

Worldwide, over a billion people have a disability. More than half are children. While high-income countries have more wealth to support people with special needs, 4 out of 5 people with disabilities live in low- or middle-income countries, where there are far fewer resources. 90% lack access to education. A staggering 83% are abused. Most experience discrimination. Providing items like wheelchairs can help some, but to support children long-term, we must address the root cause of these problems: false and harmful beliefs about disability. This is especially challenging in low-income countries where many believe disabilities are caused by witchcraft, demons, curses, or sin. As a result, families often turn to religious and traditional leaders who believe in these superstitious causes to heal the disability. This leads many children to undergo harmful healing rituals that do not cure them. In response, Kupenda invites these leaders to 1-day Disability Advocacy Trainings where they interact with people with disabilities and acquire knowledge and skills to become advocates for people with disabilities. On average, 7 out of 10 participants in these trainings report using what they’ve learned to accept, support and empower people with disabilities in their communities. On average, each of these participants supports 24 children with disabilities every year through counseling and referrals for medical care and education. And these leaders continue to help more children in their communities year after year! As we partner with more organizations to replicate this advocacy model, we are improving the lives of thousands of children and millions in years to come! Every day, children with disabilities are born into dangerous situations. But every day, Kupenda transforms harmful beliefs surrounding disability to those that improve children’s lives. Together, we can put an end to harmful stigma and practices and create a more inclusive world for more than 1 billion people with disabilities. Join us!