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{
    "id": 801625,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/801625/?format=api",
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    "content": "benefit from the education, get out of the streets and even help their families including their mothers and fathers who are also begging in the streets. Madam Temporary Speaker, there is need for PWDs, especially children, to be helped so that they are economically empowered. They will pull their families away from begging and the cyclic nature of poverty. The issue of poverty is cyclic in the families of PWDs. There is need for the Government to intervene because we should not leave PWDs behind. We should not leave the children and these families behind. They are part of this nation and they need to be part of the economic development in this nation. There is need for the Government to intervene with speed and prioritize registration of PWDs. There is need for funds to be set aside for PWDs. If the funds are set aside, let them be duly directed to doing a census on PWDs. Article 43 of the Constitution gives provision for free education. Even among persons who have not been identified and those living in the rural areas, there are some children with disabilities who are not mobile. They are hidden somewhere in the houses because of societal perception on PWDs. Societal perception on PWDs is still negative. I agree that there are people who are beginning to accept PWDS. However, majority of people still look at PWDs from a different angle of pity paradigm. As a nation, we cannot continue with the pity paradigm. It is time that we registered PWDs, identified them and placed them where they are supposed to be so that eventually they can participate in the economy of this country. Madam Temporary Speaker, when it comes to the special secondary schools, you will realize that in the whole Republic, there are only 17 secondary schools. This is painful. It means that there are many PWDs who are educable and have not been identified. They are not being brought into the school setup so that they benefit. The PWDs are constitutionally entitled and they have rights under Article 54. These rights should not be taken for granted. Once the census has been done, it will be possible for us, as a country, to know the number of people who have hearing impairment and the services they need, for example, hearing aids, crutches, and wheelchairs so that they are able to walk. It will be possible to know the number of people with certificates who can be placed in white collar jobs. When it comes to jobs, it does not mean that PWDs should always beg. They can also be in offices like anybody else, have big jobs and be productive in this country. The PWDs are not glued to blue collar. There are those who can do vocational jobs, but there are also those who can do any other job like anyone else. There is need for every environment to be disability-friendly in terms of accessibility. This can only be done when this matter comes out clearly. As a nation, we need to recognize and help them. Madam Temporary Speaker, I strongly support this Motion. This Motion should go to the relevant Committee and offices. The nation should come out with speed and save the situation so that we do not leave PWDs behind. Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for according me the opportunity."
}