ELCT
Press Release
Date:
March 9, 2010
Press release No. 001/03/2010
University
celebrates potentials of people with disabilities
by Rev. Dr. Anneth Munga
On 3 December, 2009 people around the world celebrated the potentials, gifts and talents endowed in people with disabilities.
The Sebastian Kolowa University College (SEKUCo) a branch of Tumaini University of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) took part in this important event by hosting the regional celebrations which focus on Youth with Disabilities Community Program (YDCP) based in the North Eastern Tanzania city of Tanga.
The commemoration began on 2 December, 2009 with lectures delivered mainly by SEKUCo staff and students. Testimonies, songs, poems and drama were also presented by young men and women with disabilities from within and outside Tanga region as well as SEKUCo students. It was a live testimony showing that "people with disabilities can!"
On 3 December, 2009 the main celebrations began with the arrival of the guest of honour, the Regional Commissioner of Tanga region, Hon. Said Kalembo, who was accompanied by Lushoto District Commissioner, Hon. Sophia Mjema. Thereafter, the Fuizai trumpet choir led a procession from Campus A to Campus B of SEKUCo.
It was a colourful procession with representatives from all districts in Tanga region, Magamba villagers and SEKUCo community members carrying placards such as: "Stop the killing of Albinos," "We Can," "SEKUCo: An inclusive university," etc.
Upon arrival at Campus B, the National Anthem: "Mungu Ibariki Afrika" played. The guest of honour inspected the exhibition pavilions at Campus B and had the opportunity to see handicraft of various kinds made by people with visual, hearing, intellectual and motor impairments.
Delivering his speech in the Assembly Hall, Hon. Kalembo called for joint efforts in ensuring the dignity and security of people with disabilities. He commended the initiative of hold
Songs and poems were sung by youth with disabilities. The function in the Assembly Hall ended with a drama performed by Special Educators for Disabled and Orphans, an organization of SEKUCo students aspiring to support families with disabled members.
The celebrations ended with a luncheon prepared by SEKUCo for the guest of honour, government and religious leaders, representatives from organizations of people with disabilities and members of the North Eastern Diocese Executive Council.
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Elizabeth Lobulu
Communication Coordinator,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania
Box 3033, ARUSHA, Tanzania.
Phone: +255-27-250-8856/7
FAX: +255-27-254-8858
E-mail: Elizabeth Lobulu <ELobulu@elct.or.tz>
For more information contact:
Elizabeth
Lobulu
Communication Desk Officer, ELCT
E-mail: ELobulu@elct.or.tz