Every time I walk in the buzzy streets of Nairobi, I’m reminded of being the captain of my life by the hundreds of people running up and down with the aim of earning their daily bread. Out of these people are the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and trust me with all the buzziness of the city, it is impossible to miss them.

PWDs have occupied their spaces. They’re contributing to the economy through their businesses- going at it hard.

However, even with the convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ratified by 168 countries over time, there has been both progress and stubborn impediments.

There are many challenges and non-inclusion when it comes to accessibility and discrimination. Disability discrimination is treating others less well and putting them at a disadvantage for reasons relating to their disability.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2017/09/22/being-deaf-did-not-cut-off-any-of-my-dreams-yakwaya-fred/

We MUST put a lot into consideration for PWDs By:

• Guaranteeing the right to quality education at all levels for Persons with disabilities.
• Addressing the rights of Persons with disabilities to work in an open, inclusive and accessible environment.
• Ensure Persons with disabilities have the right to the highest possible standard of health without discrimination.
• Innovation: With the constant rise of innovative products hitting the market, I feel there needs to be inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
• We should not to victimize Persons with disabilities or assume they see their disability as a tragedy. They do not. Do not underestimate the abilities of PWDs.

Majority of PWDs are out there fearlessly influencing their communities. If you check out some of the feature stories I have written on a couple of indomitable young fearless Africans with disability, you’ll just be amazed.

See More here: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2017/02/01/life-is-a-runway-and-as-a-person-with-disability-i-am-walking-it-and-changing-lives-john-orimbo/

Related: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2017/02/27/being-blind-opened-my-eyes-to-my-love-for-positive-social-impact-my-sweet-spot-hana-bekele/

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2018/11/07/albinism-is-not-a-disease-hasnt-stopped-my-passion-for-good-african-leadership-florence-kisombe/

• It is bad manners to assume that everyone you meet needs you as their hero. Always ask if someone needs your assistance before providing it. Don’t try to accommodate every last need of PWDs in attempts to be respectful. I know, I know- society has taught us otherwise but, nevertheless, the better choice is to simply and courteously ask if your help is welcome.

Be in the know and check out the Equality Act in your country in regards to Persons with Disabilities and engage if need be.

The post Right It For Persons With Disabilities appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Well, just look at stories that took time thousands of years ago like that time David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.’  (2 Samuel 6:5) or when Miriam the prophetess took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing.’ (Exodus 15:20) or maybe even when David innocently played the lyre to calm jealous Saul’s demon infested mind?

Ever heard of the saying, we are creators just as God created us? Anyway, you get the drift.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/01/10/7-breathtaking-truths-about-kenyas-landscape/

Mama Africa is not only blessed with minerals and insurmountable commodities, but she is rich in talent and creativity. It is key to note that most countries in our continent lack the framework and proficiency to beneficiate this pool of artistry into viable innovations.

Having made this observation, we have noteworthy exceptions with Nigeria, Northern Africa and South Africa film industries being the most outstanding.

Nollywood, the film industry in Nigeria is ranked as the 2^nd largest movie industry in the world after Hollywood based on the number of annual films produced and jobs created. This Nigerian giant creative economy boasts of being the second-largest employer in Nigeria. This reminds me how most of us learned our Nigerian accents from Afro Cinema.

According to Business Insider Africa in a study released in 2021, the Nigerian creative industry employs 4.2 million people across various sectors, Media and Entertainment, Beauty and Lifestyle, Visual Arts, as well as Tourism and Hospitality.

There’s hope because in recent times, there has been much talk about the potential of the creative and cultural industries in contribution to Africa’s economic growth. We are witnesses to governments, local and international organizations and corporate institutions finding creative ways to work with creatives.

The creative economy will most definitely rapidly boost economies and drive inclusive socio-economic development in Africa. According to EY, 2015, this industry has a significant contribution of three percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP). This highlights the economic potential of creative industries as a source of growth and job creation in Africa.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/01/26/why-african-investors-must-master-the-gdp-simplified/

This poses the one million dollar question, how might other African countries learn and tap into the creative economy? Well, they MUST put into consideration investing in cultural industries, which, according to UNCTAD, are composed of the following 9 sectors

• Traditional cultural expressions- Arts and crafts, festivals and celebrations.
• Cultural sites- Archaeological sites, museums, libraries, exhibitions, etc.
• Visual arts- Paintings, sculptures, photography and antiques.
• Publishing and printed media- Books, press and other publications.
• Design- Interior, graphic, fashion, jewellery and toys.
• Performing arts- Music, theater, dance, opera, circus, puppetry, etc.
• Audio-visual- Film, television, radio and other broadcasting
• New/Modern media- Software, video games, digitized creative content
• Creative services- Architectural, advertising, creative R & D, cultural and recreational activities.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2017/09/22/being-deaf-did-not-cut-off-any-of-my-dreams-yakwaya-fred/

The post Africa’s Creative Economy Is Apt To Fattening Your Pockets appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

He also worked with United Deaf Women Organization as a program officer where his work involved focusing on access to education, communication and linking the women to community poverty reduction programs.

Yakwaya founded Bududa Deaf Women Organization, a community based organization whose main objective is to advocate for the rights of women and girls. Tens of women who were not previously accessing information now benefit from government programs, leadership training programs, sexual reproductive health and life skills.

The organization is in six sub counties in Uganda. It is currently in partnership with various local schools set to open enrollment for deaf students and in training teachers.

I lost my hearing at age 17 as a result of a circumcision ceremony where blowing of whistles is the order of the day.

I passed my O levels well through studying as I did not know sign language. I pursued my BA in Business Studies at Kyambogo University where the journey as a deaf person was tough. I read widely and managed to complete my education as there was no sign language in campus.

Yakwaya’s vision is to represent persons with disabilities in Uganda’s parliament as a Member of Parliament which will make it easier for him to amend laws and ensure implementation from the inside. Through his organization, his vision is to empower deaf women and build a deaf school in Bududa.

I always urge young people to continually seek for knowledge, to never give up. Where challenges are, opportunities wait to be seized as well.

Apply for as many opportunities as possible. I am very glad to have made it to YALI RLC E.A where I have built networks and my leadership skills have been redefined. I am married to a beautiful wife and God has blessed us with two children.

I have learned to strike a balance between family and work which is important as it keeps me grounded and focused.

Keep soaring Yakwaya, after all, Elias Canetti said success listens only to applause. To all else it is deaf.

The post Being Deaf Did Not Cut Off Any Of My Dreams. Yakwaya Fred appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.