On December 3, SHAFE FOUND.AS hosted the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Djeuga Palace, Yaoundé. The event, designed to raise awareness about disability issues and promote social inclusion, followed a series of activities that began on December 1. Participants included representatives from similar organizations in the Northwest and West regions, persons with disabilities, street children, their parents, and a representative from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC).
Commemorative Activities Begin on December 1
The celebration started on Sunday, December 1, at St. Peter and Paul Anglophone Parish in Simbock. Coinciding with World AIDS Day, SHAFE FOUND.AS emphasized the rights and well-being of people living with disabilities, spanning physical, psychological, mental, and social challenges, including street children.
A mass thanksgiving marked the beginning of the day, followed by a discussion on empowering and employing people living with disabilities and HIV. Dr. Fomonuyuy Clodete and Dr. Wiyesanyuy Blanche Nyuysemo delivered educational talks and sensitized attendees, including SHAFE FOUND.AS members. Free screenings and distribution of condoms were also part of the event.
December 3 Main Event Highlights Inclusion
The main event brought together parents, children with disabilities, disabled individuals, and associations sharing SHAFE FOUND.AS’s mission. A visually impaired host led the ceremony, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity. Founder Mme. Therese Vernuy warmly welcomed attendees and set the tone for the day. Participants engaged in singing, dancing, and games that simulated the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals.
SHAFE FOUND.AS distributed gifts to street children and persons with disabilities, reinforcing their dedication to supporting vulnerable communities.
A representative from MINJEC commended SHAFE FOUND.AS for its efforts, offering guidance on how to streamline demands to the ministry. “When you come to the ministry, ensure your files are complete so requests can be addressed promptly,” the representative advised. She also encouraged youths to secure their biometric cards and register with NGOs to access integration opportunities.
Partner Organizations Encourage Active Participation
Partner organizations expressed their enthusiasm for collaborating with SHAFE FOUND.AS. Janvier Augustin Talla, founder of the Inclusive Humanitarian Center in the West region, shared his sentiments:
“We came to partner with Mme Therese so that we can all promote and defend the same cause for handicaps. My colleague and I are very happy to have been part of this event. For us, disability is a mind of gold.”
Participants shared inspiring stories of resilience and empowerment. A wheelchair user and SHAFE FOUND.AS member said:
“I might be disabled, but I’m beautifully made in the image of God. One thing I will tell disabled persons here is to never look down on yourself. You are capable and able. Go out there and do something to help yourself. I’ve learned many skills—I can produce liquid soap, laundry soap, bathing soap, and more.”
SHAFE FOUND.AS’s Mission and Vision
Since its founding in 2021, SHAFE FOUND.AS has worked to improve the lives of persons with disabilities by promoting self-empowerment and creating employment opportunities. Mme. Therese Vernuy envisions a world of hope and inclusivity for persons with impairments, advocating for social justice at every level.
“When you empower someone, you indirectly employ them because they use that empowerment to create opportunities for themselves. We want the stories of those living with impairments in Cameroon to change, and change is now,” Mme. Therese emphasized.
She announced plans for a significant initiative: constructing a disability tower in Cameroon to house various workshops supporting persons with disabilities.
Call to Action
Mme. Therese urged individuals with compassion to join the fight for disability rights.
“Extend a hand to help create awareness, protect the rights of disabled persons, and provide them with safe spaces,” she appealed.
Through events like this, SHAFE FOUND.AS continues to champion inclusion and empowerment for persons living with disabilities in Cameroon and beyond.
