OTHER MAJOR CAUSES OF
THE SUFFERING OF THE VULNERABLE GROUPS:
The true position in developing countries like Nigeria is that the majorities of the physically challenged persons are literary starving to death on account of poverty and depends purely on the uncertain charities of other impoverished citizens. They do not have access to decent food, water, clothing, adequate housing, basic education, primary healthcare and other basic necessities of life. Recent tales of woes and lamentations from the major cities of developing and some developed countries paints a picture of complete abandonment of the physically challenged fellows by the three tiers of government. The persons with disabilities, according to our research survey this year earn their living by begging for arms which has brought shame and humiliation to them and their family, with their children dropping out of school. Meanwhile no effort whatsoever has been made by the government to develop the potentials of these people and make them employable or to provide for their food and health needs. Thus their wheelchairs are worn-out and begging for repairs. Ladies and Gentlemen, who can bell out the situation? WEEP NOT! Living Water Foundation has come to give the life of these people a meaning. But not without your support, we cannot effectively carry out this program.
Statistics released by the United Nations estimated that there are more than 500 million persons with disabilities in the world today. Of that number, 80% live in the rural areas in developing countries. 70% of the total is estimated to have either limited or no access to the basic services they need for survival. The government whose duty is to take positive steps to reduce to fulfill the social, economic and cultural Rights of persons with disabilities in order to achieve the objectives of full participation and equity within society for all persons has abandoned this all important duty because of the current western driven liberalization, structural adjustment program (SAP), deregulation and privatization of social services and huge debt burden on the neck of developing countries like in Africa, Asia and South America.
Thus, the Secretary General of the Implementation of the World program of Action concerning Disabled Persons and United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (during the Review of same) submitted as follows:
"Current economic and social deterioration marked by low growth rates, high unemployment, reduced public expenditure, current structural adjustment programs and privatization, have negatively affected programs and services if the present negative trend continue, there is the risk that (Persons with disabilities) may increasingly be relegated to the margins of society, dependent on adhoc support."
Indeed public services are increasingly being privatized in developing countries. The bad news is the negative trend is continuing but the good news is that Living Water Foundation (LWF) Worldwide has come to arrest the drift and restore hope and give succor to vulnerable groups. One of the onerous tasks facing LWF is to see to the establishment of National Co-coordinating Committee on Disability and Old Persons by various governments in developing countries to speak for these vulnerable as required by the 1990 U.N Guidelines.
The true position in developing countries like Nigeria is that the majorities of the physically challenged persons are literary starving to death on account of poverty and depends purely on the uncertain charities of other impoverished citizens. They do not have access to decent food, water, clothing, adequate housing, basic education, primary healthcare and other basic necessities of life. Recent tales of woes and lamentations from the major cities of developing and some developed countries paints a picture of complete abandonment of the physically challenged fellows by the three tiers of government. The persons with disabilities, according to our research survey this year earn their living by begging for arms which has brought shame and humiliation to them and their family, with their children dropping out of school. Meanwhile no effort whatsoever has been made by the government to develop the potentials of these people and make them employable or to provide for their food and health needs. Thus their wheelchairs are worn-out and begging for repairs. Ladies and Gentlemen, who can bell out the situation? WEEP NOT! Living Water Foundation has come to give the life of these people a meaning. But not without your support, we cannot effectively carry out this program.
Statistics released by the United Nations estimated that there are more than 500 million persons with disabilities in the world today. Of that number, 80% live in the rural areas in developing countries. 70% of the total is estimated to have either limited or no access to the basic services they need for survival. The government whose duty is to take positive steps to reduce to fulfill the social, economic and cultural Rights of persons with disabilities in order to achieve the objectives of full participation and equity within society for all persons has abandoned this all important duty because of the current western driven liberalization, structural adjustment program (SAP), deregulation and privatization of social services and huge debt burden on the neck of developing countries like in Africa, Asia and South America.
Thus, the Secretary General of the Implementation of the World program of Action concerning Disabled Persons and United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (during the Review of same) submitted as follows:
"Current economic and social deterioration marked by low growth rates, high unemployment, reduced public expenditure, current structural adjustment programs and privatization, have negatively affected programs and services if the present negative trend continue, there is the risk that (Persons with disabilities) may increasingly be relegated to the margins of society, dependent on adhoc support."
Indeed public services are increasingly being privatized in developing countries. The bad news is the negative trend is continuing but the good news is that Living Water Foundation (LWF) Worldwide has come to arrest the drift and restore hope and give succor to vulnerable groups. One of the onerous tasks facing LWF is to see to the establishment of National Co-coordinating Committee on Disability and Old Persons by various governments in developing countries to speak for these vulnerable as required by the 1990 U.N Guidelines.
APPEAL:
The enormous task facing this Foundation cannot be funded by one man, but
requires the solidarity of kind-hearted persons such as you and I who are
minded to serve humanity. We appreciate your presence here today and appeal to
you to support the Foundation materially, financially and even in your
volunteer services in its efforts to meet the needs of the disabled, old
persons and less privileged in the world.
Rev Damian Etonyeaku
President
Living Water Foundation Worldwide
P. O. Box 6134
Norfolk, Virginia USA
Tel: +1 757 401 9062
President
Living Water Foundation Worldwide
P. O. Box 6134
Norfolk, Virginia USA
Tel: +1 757 401 9062
Direct Line:
+1 757 217 7652
E-Mais:
info@lwfm.us or lwfm@cox.net
