FWD Group and Humanity & Inclusion (formerly known as Handicap International) have teamed up to support youth with disabilities in Indonesia and the Philippines by improving their access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The partnership, which is part of FWD’s Community Care programme, will train at least 380 individuals with disabilities in the two countries to help them achieve a sustainable livelihood through employment or entrepreneurship. The training program includes assessment of beneficiaries’ needs, capacities, and interests; improved access to social services and health and rehabilitation facilities; soft skill trainings and vocational skills development to build capacity; and support in creating or strengthening their micro-enterprises.
Humanity & Inclusion, a co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, will also work with FWD Group and other employers to improve their understanding and capacity in employing people with disabilities.
“We were inspired by Humanity & Inclusion’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning work around the world changing the lives of people with disability and we wanted to bring similar programmes to Asia,” said FWD Group chief executive Huynh Thanh Phong. “Our partnership with Humanity & Inclusion reinforces our commitment to empower people with disabilities in Asia, and together we hope we can build a future with a difference for the community.”
According to Humanity & Inclusion’s regional program director Reiza Dejito: “To advance economically in developing countries, we have to invest in youth, but too often young people with disabilities are overlooked in employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. FWD Group and Humanity & Inclusion seek to support youth with disabilities in Asia and help them to have the same chance at improving their lives as their non-disabled peers.”
Data shows that 13% of the Philippines’ population lives with a disability; and among employable people with disabilities, only around 10% are engaged in regularly paid work. The situation is similar in Indonesia, with an estimated 11% of the population living with a disability and 74% of them unemployed.
