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Nuanua o le Alofa to Set up Savaii Sub Centre
Faatino Utumapu – Nuanua o le Alofa The Nuanua o le Alofa, the self-advocacy organisation of persons with disabilities is beginning a new chapter with the establishment of a new sub centre in Savaii. The new sub centre has received overwhelming support from the Savaii community, following the organisation’s consultation on the 16th of March 2012. The participants were from all over Savaii, with around 75% made up of persons with disabilities with their families and this was made possible by the organisation working in partnership with the Government focal point for disability issues and the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development in identifying and bringing participants from their villages. The planned move by the organisation has been in the pipeline for sometime but was always hindered by the lack of funds and human resources. Members with disabilities from all over Savaii gathered at Maota o Pisaga Hall at Salelologa where many for the first time heard of what Nuanua ole Alofa stood for. Presentations were also focused on the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Samoa is yet to ratify. Persons with Disabilities in Savaii expressed their support for the proposed subcentre and concurred that it was a way of strengthening the membership in Savaii and building its capacity Office Manager of Nuanua o le Alofa Ms. Faatino Utumapu says she was humbled by the support of the community in Savaii. “In the recent identification census survey, some 2000 persons with disabilities were identified, so it is only appropriate that a sub-centre is establish in Savaii with its own committee, and with people from Savaii to take ownership of the organisation,” says Ms. Faatino Utumapu.
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“I only hope that we continue to receive the support as we have a long road ahead in our awareness for the CRPD. We also hope to continue to raise the awareness of the community on the work of our organisation, people with disabilities empowering and advocating for others with disabilities for the right to participate equally in all parts of society.” Said Ms. Faatino Utumapu. The success of the Savaii consultation was made possible through the assistance of the Pacific Disability Forum DPO development programme and NZAID, Ministry of Women Community and Social Developments, Sui o le Malo in Savaii, Management of the Apitaga o Pisaga Hall, families and friends of persons with disabilities, Samoa Quality Broadcasting Corporation for their continuous support in raising the awareness of disability issues, Samoa Observer Newspaper, Radio Polynesia and other media, Samoa International Finance Authority, Samoa Shipping cooperation, Samoa Commercial Bank, Westpac Bank, Central Bank, and the board and staff of Nuanua O Le Alofa for their hard work. “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in Samoa” From the Editor’s Desk Greetings! PDF has come a long way since the establishment of its office in 2007, its members have grown from 13 Full members and 1 associate member in 2007, to 29 Full Members and 23 Associate Members by April 2012. It has hosted General Meetings in Samoa, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Zealand and have grown significantly in its networking and drive in moving disability issues forward. PDF will continue to strive in ensuring that all individuals in the Pacific enjoy full inclusion and participation in our societies. In this issue 16, we take a look at Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA) as it extends its branches towards Savaii; Nuanua O Alamaite Tonga Association (NATA) opening it new office; Te Toa Matoa gears up for a busy month; PDF condolence note for the late Mr. David Harris; PWDSI mourns for the death of Mr. Martin Ray; FAA Tuvalu set up new DPO; dinner in the dark; Japan donates to Omekesang; Human Rights training in the Northern Pacific; Leadership development and coaching leaders workshop; final report for capacity development for efficient and effective DPO in the Pacific research; research on disability, poverty and livelihood, two more countries join PDF, national disability stakeholders workshop in Honiara and the story of the six year old - Cornelius G Yalamu. The PDF Team would like to acknowledge AusAID and other partners who have been working with us through out this financial year on different projects and hope for such partnership to grow in the years to come. Editor,
Soloveni Vitoso
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DPO Activities Brief Updates Naunau O' Alamaite Tonga Association [NATA] opens its office Angeline Chand - DPO Officer; Pacific Disability Forum NATA officially opened its office on the 22nd of March 2012, with support from the PDF Capacity Development project and is the 6th country to benefit through this assistance. Support to NATA included salary for office staff, office equipment, communication and transport. Through NATA's advocacy work and engagement with the civil society the Tonga Youth National Congress has provided NATA with office space. NATA Board is excited with this development and the NATA President Mr Rhema Misa said that this initiative will empower NATA and its members to be strong and continue their effort to improving the life of persons with disabilities in Tonga. Te Toa Matoa gears up for a busy month
Teewata Rokete - Te Toa Matoa
Te Toa Matoa is gearing up for a busy week in the coming days as it prepares for its Annual General Meeting; Violence against Women fund and CBM survey, Kiribati cleaning program. Te Toa Matoa Chairperson Mr. Tekamangu is also doing great and has been more motivated in becoming a stronger leader in Kiribati after his 2 weeks Leadership Development Training in Nadi in February 2012. Te Toa Matoa is so proud of him and he has become so good in commutating with overseas partners, as well as within Kiribati. Te Toa Matoa would like to acknowledge PDF for the new change that Mr. Tekamangu is doing for Te Toa Matoa and thanks PDF for its support. PDF Condolence Note for Late Mr. David Harris (Nauru DPO Leader)
Katabwena Tawaka - Pacific Disability Forum
The PDF Secretariat expresses its sincere condolence to NDPA on the loss of its President the late Mr. Davis Harris. Mr. Harris has been a pillar of strength and a grand advocate for persons with disabilities in Nauru. His loss has left a vacuum within NDPA. Mr. Harris's legacy will continue to strengthen and inspire the members of NDPA to fulfill his vision. Our thoughts and prayers are with NDPA in your times
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of sorrow. The PDF family stands in solidarity as we take on the challenge that our visionary and courageous leaders like the late Mr. David Harris have left behind. PWDSI mourns the passing of the late Mr Martin Ray
Savina Nongebatu - PWD Solomon Islands
PWDSI expresses grief in the passing of Mr Martin Ray who has been a great friend and leader. Mr Martin Ray passed away on the 17 March, 2012 and was taken to his home village where he has been laid to rest. Mr. Ray Martin was one of the pioneers in shaping PWDSI and he has been vocal in disability issues and concerns. He was instrumental in getting people with disabilities recognized and was a role model in mainstreaming employment. He had gave so much of his life to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and is especially keen on education access for people with disabilities His legacy will live on and will continue to challenge us all to live up to his values and beliefs. May his soul rest in peace. FAA Tuvalu sets up new DPO Kina Simii - FAA Tuvalu FAA Tuvalu has been busy visiting conducting training of the CRPD in the outer islands. In the northern Islands of Tuvalu, FAA Tuvalu have managed to set up a new DPO which now brings the number of DPO in the outer islands of Tuvalu to two beside Funafuti. FAA Tuvalu Office Manager, Ms. Kina Simii is looking for funding to enable them to cover the 4 more islands that FAA Tuvalu needs to visit. The respond from PWDs on the outer islands has been positive and many are willing to form their association. Dinner in the dark Ruci Senikula – United Blind Persons of Fiji THE United Blind Persons of Fiji (UBP) held a fundraising Dinner in the Dark at the end of March 2012. According to UBP Project officer, Ms Ruci Senikula, guests were provided experience of what the blind and visually-impaired people go through during meal times "The fundraising dinner was an awareness tool through which guests for the first time, experienced eating a meal with limited or no lights at all," Ms Senikula said.
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"This is the first time in Fiji such a fundraising was being organised as a dinner and awareness tool for the general public," she said. Senikula says, "The money raised from the Dinner in the Dark at the Central Cuisine restaurant would go towards the organisation's administration costs." UBP also held its annual general meeting on the same day. Japan donates to Omekesang Villaney Remengesau - Omekesang The OMEKESANG, a Non-Government Organization (NGO) actively involved in the promotion of disability awareness in this island republic of Palau, was the recipient of a wheelchair donated by Japan War-Bereaved Families Association (JWBFA). The JWBFA is led by Mr. Minoru Masuya and this was the second time they have donated to OMEKESANG. On Thursday, 23rd February 2012, OMEKESANG officially donated a wheelchair to Ms. Dirraingas Edeyaoch, a student enrolling Palau High School receiving the Special Education Program Services. OMEKESANG expressed their greatest appreciation to Mr. Masuya and JWBFA for their generous support and donations. OMEKESANG will continue to strengthen their relationships and partnerships with JWBFA in the years to come. Human Rights training in the Northern Pacific Angeline Chand, DPO Development Officer – PDF, PDF in partnership with Australian Human Rights Commission and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) conducted human rights training in FSM and Palau from 17 - 25 April 2012. The workshop provided participants with awareness on human rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), advocacy and good governance training. The workshop provided the opportunity for DPO's and governments to identify ways of working together to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Highlights of the two workshops below FSM [17th -19th April 2012] The 3 day workshop was officially opened by the state representative of the government of FSM on the evening of 16th April 2012; this was followed by a welcome dinner hosted by the members of Pohnpei consumer organisation. The welcome dinner was attended by representatives of the state government, persons with disabilities and support persons. The workshop provided the participants with opportunity to participate in group discussion as well as develop action plans which was aimed at improving the good governance of their DPO.
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Participants had learnt a lot from sharing of experiences and knowledge and are committed to strengthening their DPO. Palau 23 - 25 April 2012. The Palau training was officially opened by the minister of health and the special remarks was delivered by the President of Palau both guests acknowledged the work of Omekesang and offered their full support to Omekesang. A closing dinner was also hosted for all participants and resource persons on Wednesday 25th April. The government representatives supported the work of Omekesang and offered their continued support and assistance. Both workshops were attended by representatives of DPO's governments NGO's and supporters. Leadership Development and Coaching Leaders Workshop Soloveni Vitoso - Information Office; Pacific Disability Forum The trainer of trainers (TOT) in leadership development and coaching for Leadership development for Disabled People’s Organisation (DPOs) was held at Tokatoka Resort from the 6th 17th February 2012. A total of nineteen leaders from DPOs around the Pacific participated in a two weeks of learning and sharing to develop their capacities as trainers to deliver leadership programs. Participants also went through coaching sessions where they developed their skills and knowledge on how to effectively coach future leaders within their DPOs and how they can coach DPO members in regards to their issues and challenges. The workshop which was made possible with the support from the Pacific Leadership Program (PLP) and the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) believes that it was important to have good leaders in the Pacific. Leadership is a process that helps a group to achieve its goals. The participants learned that effective leaders have many qualities. And those good group leaders make an effort to learn and practice skills so they can: listen openly to others offer and accept constructive suggestions give clear directions set and meet deadlines give formal and informal presentations help members identify and solve problems set an example of desired behavior show appreciation of others' contributions
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show understanding encourage members to exchange ideas handle conflict guide the group in goal setting and decision making delegate responsibilities ask questions of the group to prompt responses create a productive atmosphere Other common qualities are; They are honest. This gives them credibility, resulting in the trust and confidence of their people. Credible leaders foster greater pride in the organisation, a stronger spirit of cooperation and teamwork, and more feelings of ownership and personal responsibility. hey do what they say they will do. They keep their promises and follow through on their commitments. They make sure their actions are consistent with the wishes of the people they lead. They have a clear idea of what others value and what they can do. They believe in the inherent self worth of others. They admit to their mistakes. They realise that attempting to hide a mistake is damaging and erodes credibility. They create a trusting and open climate. They help others to be successful and to feel empowered. They don't push too much. They encourage members to do more, but know when it's too much. They roll up their sleeves. They show the members they aren't just the figurehead or decision maker. Members respect leaders more when they show the willingness to work alongside them. They avoid phrases that cause resentment, reluctance and resistance. For instance, instead of saying you have to do something, effective leaders request or recommend that members do something. PDF recognises the need for emerging leaders and have worked with nineteen new leaders to develop their coaching skills. PDF believes these new leaders will assist in developing their DPOs and coach emerging leaders in the Pacific. Those who graduated from this program were be able to plan, design and develop leadership programs for current and emerging leaders in the disability sector in the Pacific “Efficient leaders will lead to stronger DPOs to greater voice of persons with disabilities in the Pacific�
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Final report for Capacity Development for Efficient and Effective DPO in the Pacific Research Katabwena Tawaka – Program Manager PDF
The PDF/APIDS research team on the Capacity Development for Efficient and Effective DPO in the Pacific consisting of Mr Setareki Macanawai, CEO of PDF, Mr Katabwena Tawaka, Programme Manager PDF, Ms Deborah Rhodes, Vice President of APIDS and Robyn James, Secretary of APIDS met in Fiji from the 26-30 March to finalise the final report for the research. The research objectives were as follows: Synthesise relevant existing research and reports on lessons learned from previous capacity development activities in the Pacific context, including with DPOs Provide opportunities for learning and reflection among DPOs about the concepts of capacity, capacity development, effectiveness and efficiency in their own contexts Identify key issues affecting the capacity of DPOs and their capacity development pathways Develop suggested principles and themes relevant to capacity development for DPOs in the Pacific region, based on DPO perspectives, including themes about leadership, organizational governance and administration Identify the range of preferred and appropriate approaches and tools for development partners to contribute to strengthening the capacity, effectiveness and efficiency of Pacific DPOs The 18 month long research that started in February 2010 was conducted in 12 Pacific Island. The research team hopes to complete the research final report by June 2010 and there are plans to officially launch the research report. The in country reports can be accessed through the PDF website; www.pacificdisability.org and at the APIDS website; www.apids.org PDF will continue to keep its readers updated on the final launch date of the research.
Research on Disability, Poverty and Livelihood in Fiji Soloveni Vitoso – Information Officer, PDF Pacific Disability Forum (PDF), Fiji Disabled Persons Federation (FDPF) and the United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (UNESCAP) are currently working together in undergoing a ‘Research on disability, poverty and livelihood in Fiji’. The 5 Phase project is currently in Phase 4 of implementation.
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The objective of the project is to; Empower persons with disability through generating knowledge on their livelihood needs through their own voices Build capacity of partner organizations (DPOs) through the project and strengthen relationships between ESCAP, DPOs and persons with disabilities Provide governments with analysis on the livelihood needs of persons with disabilities Provide comparable data and experiences of persons with disabilities which reflects their lived experience The research team has already been to the northern part of Viti Levu last month and jut last week were conducting research around the Eastern part of Viti Levu and making its way to the central division. It will also cover the western side of Viti Levu in the coming weeks before collating all data. This research will be used to influence disability policy and create sustainable livelihoods for persons with disabilities at the national level. The findings of the research and the voices of persons with disabilities would serve as a basis for a report to be launched at the High Level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Final Review of the Implementation of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012 which would be organized by ESCAP in Incheon, Republic of Korea in October 2012. Two New Countries Join the PDF Family Setareki Macanawai, CEO – Pacific Disability Forum Huma Mero, a DPO in Tahiti, French Polynesia together with the Association of Marshallese Parents of Children with a Disability were accepted as full member and associate member respectively by the Board of the PDF at its meeting held on Wednesday this week, 02 May 2012. Both French Polynesia and the Republic of Marshall Islands have been targeted this year to join the PDF family. The PDF CEO, Mr Setareki Macanawai together with the President of Collectif Handicap, Mr Frederic Patane visited Tahiti in early April along with Ms Deborah Rhodes who provided valuable French language translation to Seta. The mission to Tahiti proved successful in Huma Mero firstly applying for PDF membership and secondly, the approval of that membership application by the Board this week. With the latest addition of these 2 organisations, the PDF now has a total of 52 members in 19 Pacific Island countries and territories, comprising of 29 full members (DPOs) and 23 associate members. The PDF family is certainly making waves in the vast Pacific ocean sailing ever so strongly in their canoe – “vaka, va’a” takia, waka” – and changing the “seascape” towards a disability inclusive Pacific
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National Disability Stakeholders Workshop - Honiara, Solomon Islands Savina Nongebatu - PWDSI People with Disabilities Solomon Islands in partnership with Monash University held a Disability Inclusive Stakeholders Meeting at the Kitano Mendana Hotel on the 20th February 2012. The meeting seeks to highlight and work towards identifying inclusive approaches which can be done by all stakeholders in their policies and programs. It also brought people who for the first time saw opportunities where their organizations can start practicing inclusive policies. The meeting saw participants from various government ministries, nongovernmental organizations, faith-based education institutions and provincial shelf help groups. It was a successful meeting. The guest speakers were Ms Sainimili Tawake representing Fiji National Council for Disability. Ms Nooroa Numanga represented the Government of Cook Islands and Mr Gowed Quaringe representing the Government of Papua New Guinea. The three guests shared their experiences in their work in the disability sector. Sainimili spoke on the research (Pacific Sisters with Disabilities; Intersection of Discrimination) and the need for more opportunities for women with disabilities. She also shared her experience working with disabled peoples association in Fiji. Ms Numanga shared her experience as a government officer spearheading the disability movement in Cook Islands and highlighting the existing frameworks forum countries can use in advancing disability development. Ms Nooroa, who is the director for disability services, encouraged all stakeholders to work together towards inclusive policies and programs. Mr Gowed Quaringe, Assistant Secretary Disability, Elderly shared his experiences in working in the disability sector in PNG. His wealth of experience in working in this field gave participants a picture of the challenges, opportunities and commitment of both government and non-governmental organization working towards a common goal. Disability Inclusive tools were also shared at the meeting for all stakeholders to assist them in working towards inclusive policies and programs At the end of the meeting, an outcome statement was developed for the Government of Solomon islands. PWDSI would like to thank all stakeholders who attended this meeting. We would like to also thank AusAID for funding. We would like to thank our partner, Monash University for a great partnership.
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“A story of a 6 year old Cornelius Gahrmung Yalamu” Ian N. Apeit - National Disability Resource and Advocacy Centre The National Disability Resource and Advocacy Centre (NDRAC) in their recent questionnaire designed to enable them to know and understand special able population of their great country Papua New Guinea sent forward a child life story of Cornelius Gahrmung Yalamu. Cornelius is a six year old boy who is part of the rich island country of Papua New Guinea bestowed with fast streams of rivers, steep mountains, and rugged terrains with 85-87% of its 6.5 million people living in rural communities and most of which are in accessible by road and communication. Cornelius is a child with a disability and is gifted in artistic work using his feet. “I got my disability through birth complications. I couldn’t breathe and my heart alone was beating. I was rushed to the Nursery and was put on injection, drip and air (oxygen). For a week, I stayed without breastfeeding because they (doctors) said I was very sick. Because of too much injection I received straight after birth, I acquired cerebral palsy which resulted in me not able to sit, stand or walk alone, ” Cornelius said. “My hobbies are; drawing, painting, watching cartoons on my laptop, playing with my jigsaw puzzle and when I don’t do anything, I enjoyed watching my daddy work on his computer. I always love to switch on and off my daddy’s UPS before he gets to work and shuts down his computer,” he continued. “Sure, I am a person with a disability but I do not limit myself. I know that despite all my friends living with disability, they can do anything for nothing is impossible. I want to encourage them that as long as you have a hand, feet, mouth or any part of the body which enable you to get things going, use it to enjoy life just like I use my feet to paint and draw like my daddy,” Cornelius said. “I want to encourage persons with disability out there that if you are not doing anything, try getting hold of a pencil and start drawing. Art is really fun and you’ll really like it. Try to draw and paint now because who knows, you might have a talent in drawing or painting that can be recognized and would bring fun to your life. Drawing and painting is good, for it will help your mind to think and do things creatively. Don’t give up! there is always hope,” he continued. “I want to be an artist in the future. Not just an artist but a special artist. This, I cannot do it just like that so I need to work hard to draw and paint in order to improve a lot on my work. In future, I also want to exhibit my work around Papua New Guinea and also overseas,” Cornelius said. Cornelius hopes that little children as him will not have to struggle alone themselves, in achieving their dreams in Papua New Guinea. The hope that the environment will be created to accommodate their needs to realize their hopes and leaders, teachers and parents are prepared to guide them forward, despite their disabilities but focusing more in their innate abilities as they are worthy living beings as everyone else on this earth.
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Disability Pasifika Newsletter