SEEPD Program poised to Improving Livelihood of Persons with Disabilities in NWR
Nine trainees with hearing impairments trained on pastries have completed a three-month training course. The training was sponsored by the Comprehensive Program for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for Inclusive Access to Basic Services of Health, Education, and Livelihood in the Northwest Region, thanks to Christian Blind Mission, CBM. The end of course certificate was handed over recently at the Baptist Center Nkwen in Bamenda.
Speaking during the event, the trainer, Glory Mbudzi of Glory Grace Cakes and Pastries expressed gratitude to the Project for allowing her to achieve her dreams of training persons with disabilities. She expressed that though it was challenging training persons with impairment, it was a rewarding time for her and the trainees. Glory said that given that she does not have sufficient knowledge of sign language use, it was very challenging for her to train them. Still, she had to devise a means like writing down the recipe and allowing them to do the practical many times for her to be convinced that they understood.
Despite the challenges, Glory said she is happy because the training was very successful and the trainees can now produce and sell. Handing their certificates, she encouraged them to go out, excel in their skills, and extend the skills to others especially the vulnerable group of persons.
The trainees applauded the efforts of the SEEPD Program and CBM for their efforts in improving the livelihood of persons with disabilities in the Region. They testified that before the opportunity came up, they did not have any livelihood nor did they have money to learn a trade but thanks to the sponsorship by the project, they now have a means of livelihood. The trainees who were very satisfied with the training program thanked their trainers for being patient with them during the training program. They promised to contribute to the overall goal of the SEEPD Program, which is to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
During the ceremony, the Program supported them with some supplies amongst which were flour and sugar to enable them to start up and sustain their businesses.
It should be noted that these trainees are just a few amongst the over 50 persons with disabilities currently benefiting or who have benefited from training in different trades with support from the current phase of the program, with the objective to support persons with disabilities in the Northwest Region to improve on their livelihood.
