Members of the Disabled Persons Network (DPN) of Region Five observed World Disability Day earlier this month by painting a pedestrian crossing in front of the Seafield Primary School in West Berbice.
This year’s activity was held under the theme ‘Removing barriers to create inclusive society for all persons with disability’ on December 3. DPN members also distributed flyers to sensitize persons about the rights of disabled persons.
President of the organization, Mark Archibald said they chose to paint the crossing because they wanted to “change the concept that we [disabled persons] are… only there to receive charity but can also give back to our country.” He said the group noted that the crossing in front of the school was fading and had become unsafe for the students. The crossing would also be of benefit to persons with disabilities.
The project was financed with savings the DPN had acquired from fundraising activities. According to Archibald, “There is need for other community projects but with limited resources we cannot do it alone. We need persons to come on board to make them a reality.”