Persons living with disabilities (PLWD)

Patrick finds his ‘best school’

Maiku was the dux of Milfordhaven Primary School’s 2022 Grade Eight batch, who reportedly scored 149/150 in his national examination.

Last year, two secondary schools in Lae would not let him register to continue Grade Nine, saying they lack inclusive facilities and trained educators for a wheelchair-bound student; a predicament that all persons with disabilities face nationwide.

From Bugandi Secondary School, he was sent to Lae secondary as they had ground-level classrooms that were deemed accessible.

Young PLWD encourages peers

Nathan Singura said for youths to achieve their full potential, they need to be prepared to work hard.

“Looking for shortcuts in life gets young people nowhere, and often you will end up in trouble and even death,” he said.

Young Singura further encouraged his peers to not be ashamed of their disabilities, but look beyond to discover their capabilities.

Focus to be on persons with disabilities

Secretary Anna Solomon says a collective effort will be put towards making sure that the PLWDs are on par with the rest of the population.

And this includes access to information.

She says this is where the media also plays a part in the inclusion of this population.

“If we can reach this part of population, we are leaving no one behind. So in everything we do, they have to move with us. If we leave them behind, we’re not achieving the SDGs and the goals and objectives for the vision of this country,” she added.