Christian Blind Mission(cbm) global disability inclusion on Thursday launched a project aimed at strengthening the capacity of small-sized Organizations for persons with disabilities across the country in a bid to effectively deliver their mandate.
The project dubbed OPD Leadership, Engagement and, Development (OPDs LEAD) targets 11 OPDs from Kwale, Kilifi, Samburu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Baringo, Kisumu, and Kakamega counties in Kenya and will run for a period of one year.
Speaking during the launch at Kenya Institute Of Special Education (KISE), Kasarani Nairobi county, cbm country Director Edwin Osundwa said the organization seeks to equip PWD leaders with skills and resources to advocate for change and respond to their immediate needs.
While addressing Signs TV he disclosed that they had extensive consultations with persons with disabilities who shared with cbm what they can do in their societies to bring change.
“Some said they want to be part of county processes like helping counties design their CIDPS and we are facilitating them with financial support- then they will hold meetings after which we will give them the necessary support assistants to present their petitions which will bring change,” he explained.
According to the official, they selected groups that have never received financial support due to various reasons which range from lack of physical offices, board of governance, and bank accounts.
The event was graced by various disability organization partners including the National Council for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) Ministry of Labor and social protection, Signs Media, and United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), among others who lauded the organization terming the move as noble and impactful to Persons with disabilities.
The representatives urged the OPDs to work closely in a bid to build confidence and exchange knowledge and ideas to enhance their personal development.
Signs Media Founder and Managing Director Luke Muleka, who is also a cbm board member said the move will help OPDs to transform their leadership skills and be clear and objective during their work.
National Council For Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Executive Director Harun Hassan while lauding the cbm organization for the launch of project OPDs LEAD also echoed sentiments by other organization leaders further challenging the OPDs to change their advocacy style and approach to end intimidation from organizations they approach.
Objectives of Project OPDs LEAD include; Contributing towards full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in leadership and decision-making and enhancing the leadership role of Organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in their communities.
The organization expects that by the end of the project, OPDs are empowered to learn and build their own capacity through the implementation of self-determined, inclusive projects and ensure their representation in institutions is meaningful.
CBM Global is an international NGO working alongside persons with disabilities and their representative organizations and believes that sustainable change can be achieved through authentic partnership with the disability movement.