REPSSI trains disability champions to strengthen community inclusion

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

Disability champions from Chipinge and Chimanimani districts have undergone training aimed at strengthening their capacity to promote the rights, protection and meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in community development initiatives.

The two-day training, which began on November 4 and ends on November 5, is being held in Checheche, Chipinge, under the EQuaLISED Project, implemented by the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) with support from Irish Aid and CBM Global.

The training brought together 20 disability champions and Child Care Workers (CCWs) drawn from selected wards in the two districts, alongside officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD).

The participants came from wards 11 (Mabhiza), 22 (Manzvire) and 25 (Rimai) in Chipinge, as well as wards 7 (Bumba), 14 (Charter) and 22 (Hlabiso) in Chimanimani.

During the training, REPSSI emphasised the importance of community-based inclusion in promoting the mental health and psychosocial well-being of Persons with Disabilities.

The organisation highlighted that meaningful participation in community activities, access to opportunities and acceptance by society were essential in ensuring that Persons with Disabilities felt valued and included.

Disability champions were also encouraged to embrace their responsibilities through proactive engagement, effective communication and the cultivation of positive relationships within their communities.

Among the key responsibilities identified by participants was the identification of Persons with Disabilities and facilitating their referral to relevant government ministries and service providers. The champions will also advocate for the representation of persons with disabilities in school and community development committees to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Other responsibilities include raising awareness about disability rights, promoting the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in community projects, facilitating access to income-generating opportunities and protecting them against abuse, discrimination and neglect.

The champions are also expected to support families of Persons with Disabilities, monitor and report on peer support sessions, and strengthen coordination among Government ministries and other stakeholders through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

The training is expected to strengthen the champions’ capacity to act as community advocates and link persons with disabilities to essential services, protection mechanisms and development opportunities.

The EQuaLISED Project seeks to advance the rights, inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities across selected communities in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts.

In Phase 2 of the EQuaLISED Project, which commenced in May 2026, REPSSI is working in wards 11 (Mabhiza), 22 (Manzivire), 25 (Rimai) and 30 (Chisumbanje) in Chipinge, as well as wards 7 (Bumba), 14 (Charter), 17 (Biriiri) and 22 (Hlabiso) in Chimanimani.

Wards 17 in Chimanimani and 30 in Chipinge were carried over from Phase 1 and are now serving as ward-level disability inclusion models for the two districts.

Through its community-centred approach, the initiative seeks to create more inclusive communities where persons with disabilities can exercise their rights, participate in decision-making and contribute meaningfully to local development.