Mutharika inaugurates MACOHA flag week: Malawi leader buys flag at K2m
President Professor Peter Mutharika has inaugurated the 2015 Malawi Council for Handicapped (MACOHA) flag week by buying a flag at K2 million as a demonstration of his commitment towards its noble work.
Speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe Wednesday, Mutharika said the flag week gives an opportunity to every Malawian to recognise and support the contribution of persons with disability to the development of the nation.
He said the money realized during the week will facilitate MACOHA’s implementation of programs for persons with disabilities, and support Government’s effort, aspiration and vision to achieve a just society for everyone.
The President said the flag week is also an awareness creation period on the plight of persons with disability, and also the services that MACOHA provides.
“It is my Government’s wish to ensure that the work of persons with disabilities is integrated into the mainstream development. And it is against this background, that I directed the Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare to observe the Disability Month from 3rd November to 3rd December, 2015,” said President Mutharika.
He said during the period the buildings were inspected to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities; the Disability Act is being reviewed and advocacy work was intensified.
Mutharika said: “I have been reliably informed that MACOHA’s Reform has been approved by the Reform Commission. The Reform is very important because it will promote a vibrant, innovative and more efficient service delivery for persons with disabilities. Let this Flag Week remind us the need to appreciate and support the work of MACOHA.”
The Malawi leader said his Government condemned the maltreatment of people with disabilities and that he will not tolerate the violation of their rights.
“I therefore want to reiterate that any family which has a child with disability should communicate with the Ministry of Gender for assistance and support,” said the President.
He then appealed to the parents to refrain from hiding children with disabilities and encouraged them to send such children to school and also called upon all Malawians to protect all children and persons with albinism as they are not different from any other person in the country.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for MACOHA Peter Ngomwa said the week is part of fund raising for Ndakwera Scheme in Chikhwawa which is in need of a solar pump and boreholes for disabled persons.
He said Ndakwera is one of the country’s farms that are taking care of people with disabilities by giving them support.
“We need to at least realize money not less than K5 million for us to buy a solar pump for 15 families of Ndakwera scheme,” said Ngomwa.
The MACOHA flag week will be observed from 16 December to 22 December, 2015 under the theme, ‘Agriculture a means for sustainable livelihood for persons with disabilities.’ The main function will take place at Mulanje Mission in Mulanje district.
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