INTERNATIONAL Labor Organisation (ILO) has donated Information Communication Technology (ICT) equipment’s worth over K300,000 to National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC) in Ndola District on the Copperbelt Province.
The ICT equipments donated by ILO worth K355,100 through the United Nations Joint Programme on Social Protection Phase Two (UNJSPF-II) have been procured to help equip learners with disabilities with skills needed to thrive in the evolving digital workplaces.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at NVRC in Ndola, International Labour Organisation Country Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique Wellington Chibebe has reaffirmed ILO’s commitment to working with the government and stakeholders to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully realised in the labour market.
Mr Chibebe said his organisation is working with the government to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to skills training, employment opportunities and a sustainable livelihood.
The Country Director noted that the ICT equipment donated such as office workstation, chairs, photo copying machine, desk and laptops and an external hard drive will go a long way in helping the institution have access to the digital world.
Mr Chibebe highlighted that other items that have been donated are cellular phones, Canon camera and internet router.
He echoed that a well-equipped workplace ensures comfort and productivity, as it enables the institution to manage and process transactions effectively.
He further stated that the ICT equipment will help the institution to capture and document workplace successes which have become crucial in the digital evolving space.
And Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Augustine Kasongo who graced the occasion applauded International Labour Organisation (ILO) for its unwavering commitment to advance the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities in Zambia.
Mr Kasongo noted that this is made evident through the United Nations Joint Programme on Social Protection (UNJPSP-II) which emphasises the need to actively involve persons with disabilities in all programmes in the country.
He said the donation rendered is a tangible investment in the future of persons with disabilities.
The Permanent Secretary, however, pointed out various strides that the government has made in promoting disability inclusion in employment through ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to education and training which are sustainable and career fulfilling.
He reiterated that the Government still remains committed to working with ILO including all stakeholders to enhance the living standards of persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director General Frankson Musukwa who was also present at the event said the occasion sits well with the mandate of the agency that ensures persons with disabilities also have access to competitive skills for them to openly participate in the labour market on an equal basis with others.
National Vocational Rehabilitation Center Principal Mary Lungu says the provision of the ICT Equipment will enhance staff performance as they have been equipped with the necessary tools to teach learners both with and without disabilities with knowledge of the evolving digital world.
