ILO and UN hand-over $12,000 worth of advanced ICT equipment to enhance disability training in Zambia

LUSAKA (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) through the United Nations Joint Programme on Social Protection Phase Two (UNJP-SP II) has handed-over start-of-the-art office and Information, Communication and Technologies (ICTs) equipment, including the industrial printer and the Canon digital camera, worth United States Dollar 12, 000 to the National Vocational Rehabilitation Centre.
The ILO with UN Agencies namely, UNDP, UNICEF and WFP is supporting the implementation of the Government of Zambia - United Nations Joint programme on Social Protection from August 2019 to April 2025 to assist the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) to meet its aspirations of an effective, efficient, and rights-based social protection programme.
The United Nations Joint Programme on Social Protection is being implemented with financial assistance from the Government of Ireland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the Government of Sweden.
Speaking at the hand-over ceremony held at the Ndola-based institution, ILO Country Office Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, Mr Wellington Chibebe said the donated equipment and furniture would help improve the efficiency in the operation of the disability training institution.
Mr Chibebe explained that the National Vocational Rehabilitation Centre plays a pivotal role in equipping Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with the skills needed to thrive in the workplace.
"The ILO's commitment to disability inclusion is reflected in its Global Disability Inclusion Strategy, which aims to promote inclusive development and ensure that Persons with Disabilities are equal players in the labour market," he said. "This framework underpins the actions we take in Zambia, where we support the country's vision to effectively integrate Persons with Disabilities into the labour market."
Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Mr Augustine Kasongo has expressed gratitude to the UN through the ILO for advancing the rights and job opportunities of Persons with Disabilities in Zambia.
Officiating at the occasion, Mr Kasonga said the government would continue partnering with the ILO and other stakeholders in ensuring that Persons with Disabilities not only have access to education and training, but also lead sustainable livelihoods.
"These resources will enhance the institution's capacity to provide quality training, documentation and evidence-based research in support of employment for Persons with Disabilities. The provision of this equipment ensures that the staff will have the necessary tools to perform their duties efficiently, creating a conducive environment for the integration of Persons with Disabilities into the workforce," he said.
And Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) Executive Director Mr Harrington Chibanda revealed that the employers have embraced the disability inclusiveness hence the formation of the Zambia Business Network for Persons with Disabilities.
Mr Chibanda commended the ILO for collaborating with the government in promoting the welfare of Persons with Disabilities by supporting the work of the Zambia Business Disability Network, as well as the donation of the equipment and furniture to the Centre.
Meanwhile, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) General Secretary Mr Roy Beene urged the government to develop a comprehensive legal framework to address challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities in accessing decent jobs.
Mr Beene reaffirmed the workers' commitment towards advocating for inclusive and actionable laws in the labour market.