Project News

On 1st and 2nd March 2017, the Project conducted peer counselling in 2 villages in Limpopo province where Mr. Judas Mayevu and Ms. Victoria Japane initiated to establish Self-Help Groups (SHG) of persons with disabilities. The peer counselling was facilitated by Mr. July Mathebula, peer counsellor and wheelchair user. His capacity has been developed by the JICA Partnership Programme called "Capacity Building of Independent Living Centres through Creating Accessible Environment". 13 persons with disabilities from each village participated in peer counselling.

Peer counselling is one of the methods to empower persons with disabilities. During peer counselling, persons with disabilities listen to each other in equal manner, positively reconsider their own perspective towards disability and regain confidence on their existence value.

Before peer counselling, persons with disabilities in 2 villages rarely met and talked each other and consequently they had been isolated in the village. However, through peer counselling, persons with disabilities realized that there are other persons with disabilities who are facing similar challenges and as a result they were encouraged and empowered.

Mr. Leonard Makhuvele said "I learnt how to accept myself as I am. I will tell what I feel and what I want to others in the village and make them understand myself."

The Project will continue to conduct peer counselling in the villages and new villages and promote empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Peer counselling in village

Mr. July Mathebula facilitated the seminar (Front right with red shirt)