BY INDY MAEALASIA
People with Disabilities Solomon Islands (PWDSI) has called for an increase in investment for disability training centers and individuals, as more able-bodied citizens continue to leave for seasonal work overseas.
Speaking at the first-ever National Business Forum last week, PWDSI Chief Executive Officer, Casper Fa’asala emphasized the need for stronger support for training institutions such as the Bethesda Disability Training and Support Center and other similar centers.
“They produce a lot of skilled young people, both men and women. But if we truly want to invest in them, we need to provide better support packages so that when they leave those centers, they have something to start their own businesses with,” he said.
While he acknowledges the benefits of the labour mobility initiative, Fa’asala warned that it could leave the country with an ageing population and people with disabilities who lack the economic resources to grow.
“If we don’t act now, we will be left with a less economically driven country,” he said.
“That’s why I urge investment in people with disabilities — they are the ones who will stay, be productive at home, invest in their own businesses and help grow the local economy,” Fa’asala added.
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