The Light for the world Uganda in partnership with Uganda Business and Disability Network (UBDN) and Federation of Uganda Employers on Friday held the first-ever career fair for People Living with Disability (PWDs) at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
The fair which was held in commemoration of the International Day of PWDs brought together PWDs job seekers and potential employers in the private sector.
Silvester Kasozi, the Country Director of Light for the World Uganda said that the career fair is an avenue that aims at connecting job seekers with disabilities with companies that are committed to disability inclusion for jobs, work-experience placement, entrepreneurship, and skills development opportunities.
He said that Job seekers with disabilities have the opportunity to expand their professional network and networking skills, which is crucial to their competitiveness in the job market.
“Youth unemployment is a global crisis and unemployment among youth with disabilities is even worse. Of at least 2.6 million youth with disabilities in Uganda, only about 15% are employed,” he said
“Inequities in education and vocational training, negative attitudes about disability and self-exclusion all impact the employment options available to people with disabilities. This career fair shows our organization’s commitment to contributing towards bridging that employment gap,” he added
Light for the world is a global disability and development organization aiming to contribute to an inclusive society where no one is left behind In Uganda.
It focuses on enabling crucial inclusive eye health services, inclusive education, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities
Douglas Opio, the Executive Director of Federation of Uganda Employers said that this Career Fair is one of their way of contributing to the solution of disabilities in Uganda.
“We work with UBDN members towards creating a workplace and company culture that is respectful and inclusive towards persons with disabilities, promoting the hiring, retention, and professional development of persons with disabilities.“
The Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) Today, the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) the Voice of Employers on social and economic issues. It is recognized both locally and internationally as a top-notch employers organization in Uganda.
The UBDN was launched on 3rd December 2019, in collaboration with Light for the World under the Make 12.4% Work Initiative, and the Inclusion Works Project.
It was launched to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities among private sector companies.
During the career fair, employers interacted with PWDs for connections and job opportunities.
