DILI, 23 august 2022 (TATOLI)– The Interim Director of the Association for the Blind in Timor – Leste (AHDMTL), Gabriel Ponciano de Sousa, said, that recently AHDMTL has received a donation of $20,000 from the United States Embassy in Timor – Leste to support the program socialization for Civil Servants in the sub-Administration of Watulari and Watucarbau, municipality of Viqueque.
“AHDMTL received a $20,000 donation from the United States Embassy to conduct a training and public service outreach program to local authorities and Civil Servants in the municipality of Viqueque, on providing services for persons with disabilities without discrimination,” Gabriel Ponciano de Sousa, told TATOLI in Manleuna, Dili on Tuesday.
Sousa explained that from their experiences, many local governments in the national territory still discriminate against people with disabilities, especially people with disabilities.
“Based on our experiences and observation, we identified that there are still many local authorities in the national territory that continue to discriminate against persons with disabilities, especially the visually impaired when handling administrative documents at the village office, therefore this training is offered to raise awareness of regional leaders and civil servants to provide services to persons with disabilities in an effective and balanced manner,” he said.
Sousa said that this program is the first program implemented in Viqueque, the trainees will learn about the words to greet people with disabilities, and the proper way to provide services to people with disabilities.
Four training facilitators will provide training to 8o participants, from 29 August to 29 September 2022.
Sousa at the same time expressed his appreciation to the United States Embassy in Timor-Leste for its support: “On behalf of AHDMTL, I would like to thank the United States Embassy in Timor-Leste, for the donation, I hope that with this collaboration, all civil servants will have the awareness to serve people with disabilities without any more discrimination,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Nelia B.
