Fatshimetrie, October 1, 2024 – The issue of the inclusion of children and young people with disabilities in cultural and religious groups in Uvira, South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was recently addressed during an awareness-raising event organized by the Haki yetu organization. This initiative aims to promote a more inclusive society and address the challenges faced by children and young people with disabilities in their integration into these groups.
During this meeting, the organization’s Coordinator, Jean-Marie Vianney Solo, stressed the importance of engaging with members of different cultural and religious groups to raise awareness of the importance of integrating children and young people with disabilities. He presented this multi-year program that aims to promote the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in the Uvira region, financially supported by the Liliane Foundation and implemented by the Muungano Tegemeza network in collaboration with Haki yetu.
The discussions focused on highlighting the potential contributions of children and young people with disabilities to the community and providing them with opportunities to thrive within these groups. The Director of Tukutane Art Cultural Centre, Patient Alesire Mulume-Oderhwa, highlighted that children and young people with disabilities have unique talents and can add value to arts and cultural activities.
Four groups participated in this exchange, including two arts and cultural groups, Tukutane Art and Uva Unit, as well as religious groups represented by the youth of El-Shadai Church and Mulongwe Parish. This awareness raising highlighted the barriers faced by children and young people with disabilities in their participation in the activities of these groups, and encouraged collective reflection to promote their inclusion.
In conclusion, this awareness raising initiative has opened new perspectives for a more inclusive society and highlighted the potential of children and young people with disabilities to contribute fully to the cultural and religious life of their community. It is essential to continue to promote the inclusion of all, whatever their differences, to build a world where everyone has their place and can flourish fully.