By Dalitso Kampira
The Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare has hailed the first phase of the Sparkling Disability Inclusive Rural Transformation (SPARK) project, implemented in Thyolo, for significantly improving the welfare of people with disabilities in the district.
Persons with disability are now included in development PIC Dalitso Kampira
Speaking during the presentation of an "Exit Report" at a District Executive Committee meeting on Monday, the Ministry's Disability Affairs Officer, Willards Muwawa, said the project's primary goal was to ensure that all International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-funded initiatives actively included people with disabilities.
"The aim of the project was to ensure that people with disabilities are fully included and able to participate in various development activities across the district. We are pleased to report that the project has made positive strides, with many people with disabilities now taking part in different projects.
"This exit meeting is an opportunity to assess the successes and identify areas for improvement where the project may not have met its targets," said Muwawa.
Muwawa further highlighted that the SPARK project reached over 400 people with disabilities across nine Traditional Authorities (T/As), including Nchiramwela, Khwethemule, and Chimaliro.
The District Assistant Social Welfare Officer, Catherine Kalata, expressed her gratitude for the project's impact, noting how it had facilitated the inclusion of people with disabilities in development efforts.
"Previously, these individuals were often sidelined in various projects. However, with the introduction of the SPARK project, we have seen a significant change in the communities they live in," she said.
Kalata also encouraged local leaders and community members to continue supporting disabled persons, emphasizing that their full participation in social activities would enable them to thrive, not just survive.
Launched in 2022 and funded by IFAD, the SPARK project was implemented in four districts of Chitipa, Nkhata Bay, Kasungu, and Thyolo
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