By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, September 17, Mana: Disability Affairs Officer in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Willards Muwawa has said the Sparkling Disability Inclusive Rural Transformation (SPARK) project has significantly improved the lives of people with disabilities in Thyolo District.
He disclosed this on Monday during the project's exit meeting with the District Executive Committee (DEC).
“The project’s main objective was to ensure that all International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-funded projects are inclusive of people with disabilities. It assessed whether people with disabilities were participating in development activities across the district,” Muwawa said.
She added that the SPARK project had made remarkable strides, ensuring that many individuals with disabilities are now actively engaged in district projects.
“The initiative targeted over 400 beneficiaries across nine traditional authorities, including Nchiramwera, Khwethemule and Chimaliro.
“Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has ensured that individuals with disabilities are actively included in various development projects across the district,” he said.
Assistant Social Welfare Officer for Thyolo District, Catherine Kalata expressed gratitude for the project’s positive impact.
“Initially, people with disabilities were often sidelined in community projects. However, the SPARK project has brought about a significant change and these individuals are now making a meaningful impact in their communities,” she said.
Kalata encouraged local leaders and community members to continue supporting the participation of people with disabilities, emphasizing that: “disability is not inability.”
He urged everyone to create opportunities for people with disabilities for them to thrive in all aspects of life.
Funded by IFAD, the SPARK project has been rolled out in four districts in Malawi including Chitipa, Nkhata Bay, Kasungu and Thyolo with the goal of promoting disability-inclusive development.
