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Overview Development Environment The
Team Funding Updates
DISABILITY AND DEVELOMENT IN
TIGRAY
The following information is informing development of
the Tigray Initiative. Prepared by Helen Pitt, it was
derived during the feasibility study in February 2005,
and in discussion with team and support members.
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In Tigray there are an estimated
93,833 disabled persons (Relief Society of Tigray unofficial figures
2000) from a population of 3,694,650. The lack of
vaccination programs during the years of civil strife
resulted in thousands of children contracting polio.
Lack of nutritional food, aggravated by war, and
malnutrition caused by recurring famines have also
contributed to thousands being affected from blindness
and other forms of visual impairments. Studies have
indicated that stunting of children is a major concern
which has implications for the future social, mental
and economic development of individuals and the region.
Landmine and unexploded ordinances have resulted
in many becoming injured and disabled especially
young boys and men who have sustained injuries while
herding animals or farming. It is now recognised
that poverty creates conditions for disability. Poor
people are more likely to have poor health as well
as poor living and working conditions.
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Commitment: There is commitment from
the authorities to people with disability but limited
human and physical resources constrain development.
Although programs are being implemented by Non-Government
Organisations (NGOs), additional services could provide
more opportunities for disabled persons to fully
participate in the social and economic development
of Tigray.
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Partnerships: We shall work in
partnership with organisations/departments in Tigray
to conduct a study to contribute to the development
of the disability sector by initiating an Integrated
Regional Disability Strategy (IRDS). This study will
encourage a broader approach to disability sector
planning and will also identify factors that could
contribute to or constrain the development of an
IRDS. An Integrated Regional Disability Strategy
if deemed feasible will be used for designing an
Operational Plan.
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The Approach: A Participatory Action Research
(PAR) approach is proposed. This enables the work
to be conducted in partnership with regional and
local authorities and non-government organisations
whereby Tigrayans and expatriates collectively engage
in ongoing reflection-action-learning in the development
of the strategy. We can all benefit from the shared
experiences and the acquisition of additional skills
and knowledge, while Tigrayans may be better placed
to successfully manage the ongoing work. In this
way it is inherently an approach to strengthening
capacity.
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Phased Input: It is proposed that input from
Australia will be done in phases, with on-going activities
linking the phases. It is likely that as needs and
gaps in services become more apparent then individuals
who have expressed a desire to be involved may be
asked to participate. It must be noted, that at this
stage, all involvement is on a voluntary basis. |
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War injured amputees producing designs
for silk screening |
A mother with her child who
has cerebral palsy |
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