Lomé, Togo, July 19, 2023 - The United States government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), reaffirms its commitment to supporting persons with disabilities in Togo by partnering with the Togolese Federation of Disabled Persons (FETAPH). FETAPH is implementing the USAID project known as "Mitigating the Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Young People with Disabilities in Togo." The initiative, which commenced in May 2022, aims to address the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, particularly disabled individuals, following the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with the project's objective to equip disabled individuals for success, USAID is providing vocational equipment to 150 persons with disabilities representing 50 persons each from Atakpamé, Kara, and Dapaong. This gesture highlights the unwavering commitment of the United States government to partner with local actors such as FETAPH towards improving the lives of disabled individuals and promoting their socioeconomic empowerment.
U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer in Lome, Shannon Ritchie, participated in the ceremony to handover the vocational equipment. Speaking at the event, Shannon noted:“Our goal is to empower persons with disabilities and enhance their living conditions by implementing innovative activities that foster their economic independence. Through entrepreneurship training, coupled with business plan financing, we aim to equip individuals with the skills and resources they need to establish and manage their own businesses successfully”.
By empowering 150 young disabled individuals, particularly women, with vocational training and employment opportunities, this initiative aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society. FETAPH, together with its member organizations will closely monitor the utilization of the equipment to ensure its effectiveness and sustainable impact. The partnership between FETAPH and USAID demonstrates the shared vision of both organizations in promoting equal opportunities and empowering disabled individuals to thrive in a post-pandemic world.