In a bid to economically empower persons with disabilities, a total of 40 persons were offered training by the Ecole Hotelière Sir Gaëtan Duval and the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI). A ceremony to hand over of certificates to the 40 trainees with disabilities was organised, on Wednesday, in Ebène, in presence of the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mrs Fazila Jeewa- Daureeawoo, and several other personalities.
This initiative of the Ministry and the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Board (TEDPB) aims at recognising the efforts of these 40 trainees who have completed courses as follows: 25 persons with disabilities trained in Housekeeping at Ecole Hotelière Sir Gaëtan Duval; six persons trained in Ornamental plant production at the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI); and nine persons received training in mushroom cultivation at FAREI.
In her address, the Social Integration Minister stressed on the importance to continuously train to people with disabilities so as to mainstream them in employment. She reiterated Government’s commitment to provide adequate measures and facilities for an equitable society that promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities so that they fully participate in the socio-economic development of the country.
The measures elaborated by Mrs Jeewa-Daureeawoo include amongst others, increase in:
- Basic Invalid Pension to Rs 10 000;
- financial assistance for the purchase of spectacles from Rs 2 000 to Rs 5 000;
- wheelchairs from Rs 5 000 to Rs 10 000;
- hearing aids from Rs 5 000 to Rs 10 000; and
- domiciliary visits.
The introduction of the Disability Bill, aiming to protect the rights of persons with disabilities as well as eliminating discrimination against them is another measure that Government is working upon, added Mrs Jeewa-Daureeawoo. She also called for the collaboration of each and everyone to working jointly with the private sector to provide opportunities to employ people with disabilities.
Also present at the event, the Chairperson of TEDPB, Mrs M. M Cassim, dwelt on the key the role of the Board which is to continuously promote and sustain inclusion and integration of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society so that they also enjoy meaningful and fulfilling lives.
The TEDPB works in close collaboration with different training institutions such as: Ecole Hoteliere Sir Gaëtan Duval, the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development, FAREI, Orian Institute and Business Mauritius.
The main functions of the Board are to prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities resulting from or arising out of their disability; to act as a facilitator in providing opportunities for work and entrepreneurship; and to educate and sensitise employers on the importance of employing disabled persons and contribute to remove barriers or prejudices with regard to the employment of such persons.
