Persons with disabilities in Dzaleka Refugee Camp are being encouraged to learn about their rights and advocate for greater inclusion in economic and social programmes following a recent training on Malawi's Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024.

The training, organised by the Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA) in partnership with MACODA and Salama Africa, brought together participants from Dzaleka Refugee Camp and surrounding host communities.

Speaking during the training, FEDOMA Executive Director Symon Munde said many persons with disabilities continue to face barriers when accessing livelihood opportunities, social protection programmes, agricultural support, and financial services.

He noted that these challenges can increase the risk of poverty and exclusion, particularly for people already facing difficult circumstances in refugee settings.

"Persons with disabilities deserve equal access to opportunities and services that enable them to live with dignity and participate fully in society," Munde said.

The training focused on increasing awareness of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024 and helping participants understand the rights and protections guaranteed under the law.

Salama Africa Vice Executive Director Eddy Bararunyeretse said empowering young people with disabilities with legal knowledge is an important step toward ensuring their meaningful participation in community development.

Participants described the training as an important opportunity to better understand disability rights, inclusion, and advocacy. They said the knowledge gained would help them promote greater awareness and support for persons with disabilities within their communities.

As conversations around inclusion continue in Dzaleka, organisations working in disability rights are calling for stronger efforts to ensure persons with disabilities can access education, livelihoods, financial services, and community programmes on an equal basis with others.