A former British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Peter Penfold has stressed that employment for the disabled can only be achieved through education.
Mr. Penfold was speaking to journalists in Freetown while explaining the nature of scholarships won by three students living with disability. The scholarships were awarded by The Dorothy Springer Trust in the United Kingdom. He said the scholarship scheme, which was equivalent to sixty million Leones, was aimed at providing advanced computer skills for persons with disabilities. He argued that educating persons with disabilities would help them in accessing jobs. Mr. Penfold said the scholarship would allow the beneficiaries to go through seven months intensive courses in computer technology. Honourable Julius Nye Cuffie a disabled rights activist said the concept of disability hinges on the foundation of independent living. He said the scholarships would enable the beneficiaries to become self reliant and contribute to national development.
