By CHILA NAMAIKO  –

MORE than 15 physically challenged persons, under Tuyandane Umbrella for the Disabled Club (TUDC) in Choma District with support from the Finnish government, have successfully graduated from a training in poultry skills management.
Finland, through its 7,000 Euros (about K56,000) funded project with TUDC, is supporting various training skills such as poultry rearing and tailoring for vulnerable households in Choma.
TUDC coordinator Odrich Hanamwiinga said the Finnish government had been supportive in uplifting the living standards of vulnerable people through various empowerment schemes.
Mr Hanamwiinga said at the graduation of the more than 15 disabled persons at Mochipapa Agricultural Research Institute on Tuesday that many disabled people under TUDC had been trained in various skills.
“Finland has been supporting us through finances to train vulnerable people with life-skills to enable them start own businesses,” he said.
District Commissioner Bernadette Hamweemba said Government was working diligently to improve the lives of the disabled and underprivileged people in Choma.
“My Government is committed to providing resources to all its citizens especially the vulnerable groups like the disabled,” she said.
She said, she would be handing over 300 chicks, stock feeds and vaccines for chicken rearing project to women clubs in Chief Singani’s area next week.
She urged disabled persons to form clubs and apply for grants from the Ministry of Community, Development and the Gender Ministry to finance their projects.
She commended TUDC for spearheading the training of vulnerable people which he said, was complementing Government’s efforts in reducing poverty.
Choma District community development officer Esther Bwale said Government had allocated funds for women empowerment particularly those in rural areas.
One of the beneficiaries, Fredrick Muleya said Government’s plan to introduce a protection fund for disabled people would significantly improve their lives.