Mbabane – Over 200 people gathered at St Joseph’s School yesterday to mark White Cane Day, calling for stronger efforts to create a more inclusive environment for persons with visual impairment in Eswatini.
The event, held under the theme “Clear the Way: Creating an Inclusive Environment for Persons with Visual Impairment in Eswatini”, brought together government officials, development partners, learners, teachers, parents, and members of the community.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) joined the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and the Eswatini Association of the Visually Impaired Persons in leading the commemoration.
Speaking on behalf of the UN Eswatini Resident Coordinator, UNFPA Head of Office Margaret Thwala-Tembe praised the government for its work in promoting inclusivity, citing programmes such as awareness campaigns, the distribution of white canes, and inclusive education initiatives.
She also acknowledged the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act and the National Disability Plan of Action as important steps toward ensuring equal access for people with disabilities.
A key concern raised during the event was the need to roll out inclusive education across all schools. Calls were made for improved access to Braille learning materials, which many say are still lacking in most classrooms.
The commemoration formed part of broader national and international efforts to support disability inclusion. The UN, through the Global Disability Fund, continues to work with Eswatini to integrate disability rights into all sectors.
The fund, formerly known as the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, was created in 2012 to support countries in implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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