Plan International’s Plan2Inclusivize Sports Inclusion project in Togo and Ethiopia made it to the final three along with Concern and Camara Education (Camara eventually won – well done!). Last year, Plan International’s Universal Birth Registration project in West Africa was victorious.
Commenting at the #DochasSummit which was addressed by Uachtatán na hÉireann, Michael D Higgins, David said
As the world around us changes, adapts and improves, it’s essential that development organisations look at innovative ways of improving the lives of marginalised people, especially children, in developing countries.
“Thankfully, long gone is the outdated notion of simply transferring funding from wealthier countries to poorer African and Asian countries. Yes, funding is vital, but how we spend those resources and in partnership with whom, will be the critical factors in determining if our work brings leads to sustainable change,” added David.
Plan2Inclusivize brings expertise from UNESCO IT Tralee and CARA, the centre for adapted physical activity, to remote communities in Togo and Ethiopia to help break down the barriers that are preventing people with disabilities, especially girls, from taking part fully in sport and community life.
Fostering positive perceptions of people with disabilities through sport breaks down negative cultural stereotypes, increases self-confidence and integrates communities.
“20 years ago, a project such as this, would have been unheard of. Today, Plan International is constantly looking for creative and innovative ways of empowering the most marginalised people in society, usually girls and people with disabilities, to become active members of society,” concluded Dalton.
