A multi-purpose development center which was conceptualized in 1985 by the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD), is finally entering its third phase through a grant by the Japanese government.
On Friday, Executive Director of DAPD, Nathalie Murphy, received a cheque in the amount of USD$36,245.00 through the Japanese Government’s Grant Assistance for the Grass-roots Human Security Project (GGP).
According to Murphy, the dormitories are necessary since the DAPD often hosts events at night and most of their members live outside of Roseau and find trouble going home after these events.
“The DAPD was founded in 1983 and as early as 1985 we realized that there were challenges in terms of people with disabilities accessing the physical environment, accessing public buildings, because we had extreme difficulty finding suitable and appropriate venues and facilities for us to conduct our activities, event to have a meeting.”
She added that the multi-purpose development center was the solution for these issues.
The First phase of the project was an administrative block which was constructed in 2001 with funds donated by the European Union. The second phase was the training unit which was completed in 2006 and funded by the Basic Needs Trust Fund and the Government of Dominica. The training unit also serves as a meeting area and ICT area.
“We are now looking at dormitories because we have activities and events that are held in the evenings and at night times that warrants and necessitates the participation of our members especially those living in the rural areas, out districts and it is extremely difficult for them to find suitable accommodation.”
The proposal to the Japanese government was done with the assistance of Yoshinori Dori who was a Japanese volunteer with the DAPD at the time. It was approved on February 14th 2014.
Japanese government Deputy Head of Mission, Hirofumi Murabayashi, explained that the GGP is designed to promote human security in the world by assisting non-profit organizations. The scheme mainly targets areas that aim to improve basic human needs.
“Through this project persons with disabilities will have increased access to DAPD events as they will be able to stay overnight in a dormitory this will decrease worry about transport to and from events especially those that may last for a few days. I have no doubt that this project is truly one which meets basic human needs.”
He noted that Japan and the Commonwealth of Dominica have enjoyed benefits from friendly relations.
The dormitories should be completed within one year as stipulated in the contract. It will be able to house 10 males and 10 females and will include washroom facilities, and a kitchen. It will also be furnished with a fridge, air conditioning units, beds, mattresses and other basic necessities.
Glad the Japanese are back on board. I believe them to be more genuine than the Chinese, also there is less of them!
This is great news for the DAPD so they can continue doing excellent work raising awareness and providing opportunities for those people living with disabilities. Well done to Mr. Dori for a great outcome from his volunteer assignment here. Thanks to the Japanese Government GGP program.
Great job, hope they use the funds for the intended project..
Mrs. Murphy, members of the DAPD & contributors, God bless you all for the job that you are doing.
Wonderful!
Very good news. I am happy for you. Mrs Murphy has been doing a tremendous job May the almighty God bless you and continue to provide for you.
That’s how government help people,they give the money direct to the needy.
way to go japan,
The DAPD was founded in 1983 and as early as 1985 that there was a need for accessibility for people with disabilities in Dominica. My question why did the Government from that time not implement it as a norm for new buildings to be able to accommodate the people with disabilities? We are now in the 21st century 2014 AD and this sort of thing is yet to be seen as a norm in the city of Roseau.
We hear so much about development but not even these basic steps can be taken to improve the lives of these people in need of moving around. they to have a contribution to make even if they are as they are.