MOTIVATION

What you need to know about disability.

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34-year-old Emmanuel Samu of Solwezi District acquired his disability at the age of 10 due to an unknown cause. However, Emmanuel has refused to be constrained by his impairment (disability).

He uses wheelchair to move in the communities of North Western Province encouraging many people with disabilities to overcome adversity so that they pursue their dreams regardless of their conditions.‘’ I want people like me not to let disability get in their way. My disability rights advocacy comes from my zeal to make what seems impossible possible. ’Emmanuel is very ambitious and has proved that disability is not inability.

He has over 6 years of experience in information and communication technology and has used his computer skills to improve his visual art works as well as write and publish a motivation book called ‘’My life is a thorn to recall’’.

He is currently a Chairperson/Founder at Hope Foundation for the Vulnerable (HFV) Zambia, focusing on disability rights advocacy, inclusive education and equal participation of persons with disabilities. His voluntary work in the community has impacted positively and has improved his leadership skills. Emmanuel holds an advanced diploma in computer systems engineering and hardware maintenance.

He is also a holder of a certificate in teaching methodology. ‘We must stop believing that a person with disability can’t do anything in life because that is a negative perception of people with disabilities”. He is interested in civic engagement because he believes it gives him an opportunity to serve the vulnerable in society. He confidently believes that his completion of the Mandela Washington fellowship will amplify his passion and experience to promote an inclusive society.