Speaking at a graduation ceremony at Re Ka Kgona Centre for the Disabled in Selebi-Phikwe last week, a representative of the Botswana Council of Disabled, Charles Obed, said people with disabilities must also play a role in achieving the goals of Vision 2016. The 11 artisans were trained in dressmaking. "From here you must go out there and work or start businesses as individuals or groups," Obed said. "Be ready to relocate and work elsewhere in the country. You must (continue to) pursue your learning in order to train others one day." He criticised people who harbour a negative attitude towards their fellow human beings with disabilities, some who even ask for payment when they assist people with disabilities.
He also appealed to the media to be supportive of the efforts of people with disabilities. "You must tell your leaders in your districts about the challenges that you are facing," Obed said.Acting Deputy Town Clerk of Selebi-Phikwe, Barulanye Mosetlha, said the artisans were expected to start their own businesses, hence they were given sewing machines.
