Africa Project Coordinator updates
Economic Realities: In Africa, the unemployment rate among people with disabilities is as high as 90%, putting them among the poorest 7 – 10% of the population. In every country in the world, people with disabilities have higher rates of unemployment than non-disabled people. This economic poverty can lead to other kinds of deprivation including lack of access to education and health, rehabilitation or social services. Disabled people may then remain unable to find appropriate work and their children are often more likely not to go to school. In over 3 countries, Abilities Talent International works with local partners to help disabled people earn their own living.
Envisioning the future:
In 2010, Abilities Talent International Board of Directors and staff began a strategic planning process. After reviewing ATI survey and holding several meetings with community residents in Cameroon, Gabon and Uganda, Abilities Talent International staff and the board of directors developed the Vision Statement. While the full strategic plan isn’t complete yet, community and patron priorities are pretty clear. As ATI moves forward, Board of Directors and staff will be concentrating on these program priorities:
Program activities include:
- Providing small financial support to start businesses
- starting and supporting savings groups
- partnerships with employers to make workplaces accessible
- training to help people develop life and work skills
- supporting people into work in the mainstream economy
Why Shoe workshop materials/ tools
Shoe workshop material was the number one request that came across in all the meetings and the ATI representative’s survey that was made in Africa. Budget constraints won’t allow this purchase without outside support. That’s why proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward shoe cobbler work shop materials/tools.
http://www.atint.org/fundraiser#!__fundraiser
