Disability, not inability: Over 123 PWDs graduate with technical skills in Gulu

Simon Peter Ojok, 24, a resident of Paboo sub-county, Amuru district says some communities ignored them but disability is not an inability.

By Okot Lil Romeo

Gulu, August 2, 2022: At least 123 students: youth living with different types of disabilities have graduated from GDPU in a period of one year.

Theme for the 4th graduation was “ability in disability”. The graduates benefited from the two-year project supported by UK Aids and Enhancing the Capacity of People Living with Disability (ETCPWD).

Simon Peter Ojok, 24, a resident of Paboo sub-county, Amuru district says some communities ignored them but disability is not an inability.

He expresses his happiness in acquiring a certificate in electronics repairs and maintenance.

Ojok, however, condemned his parents for discriminating against children living with disability, saying he was ignored to go and play basketball tournament in China by his parent.

“Disability is not inability, they have to love people equally,” he added.

“The certificate I got from a six months training will help me to apply for any jobs in this country with confidence.”

Musama Faruk, principal of GDPU confirms 66 disabled youth graduated in the latest edition out of 68 enrollment, adding that two students failed to graduate.

The 4th graduation at GDPU was for a six category courses of tailoring, hairdressing, decorations and designs, electronic repairs and maintenance, motorcycle repairs and maintenance.

All courses offered have markets already within the community. No graduate will float in the community, according to the principal.

He noted that it will help to change the mindsets of disabled youth in the community to create jobs.

Of those who got certificates, 22 are with Epilepsy, physically disabled 38, blind 18, and 45 youths with other illnesses including mental Health.

Faruk also highlighted that as a school they are facing a challenging period for both learners and teachers to finish the syllabus within 6 months.

“We are going to extend the one-year course for deep understanding to the learners.”

Two students who failed this course would be considered and enrolled for the next course next year, because some learners didn’t go through any class of learning which is difficult to understand, explained.

Professor Frederick I.B Kayanja Chancellor of Gulu university told graduates to be ambassadors in local communities on the government intervention programs like PDM.

He appeals to students who acquired knowledge to use it for transforming the community were they live in.

Richard Irwenyo, city principal education officer advises the graduates to put the knowledge into work because education always fades.

He pledged total support and commitment to uplift the level of education for the disabled youth.

Christin Olok, deputy city mayor of Gulu says as city council, support like special Grants for disabled groups would be available to support the needy people.