In a powerful step towards inclusivity and empowerment, the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) hosted a three-day life skills training session in Kingston, Jamaica designed specifically for persons with disabilities; a group too often excluded from vital conversations around rights, health, and self-determination. This specialized training is part of the Strengthening Access, Inclusion and Leadership for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights in Jamaica (SAIL-SRHR) project.
The session focused on building self-esteem, understanding human rights, accessing services, and navigating sexual and reproductive health (SRH) with confidence. “They’re at a stage in their lives when their hormones are all over the place and they may feel the need to explore, so it’s necessary to arm these young people with the necessary information for them to make informed decisions and not to have any regrets” shared Jason Ricketts, Youth Empowerment Officer at the Ministry of Education. “I hope they leave this workshop with renewed vigour to make informed decisions as well as the knowledge itself to know wrong from right. Because the decisions you make today don’t always affect you instantly but down the line, you pay the ultimate price” he added.
For many participants, the experience was eye-opening. Nichoi Gibbs, a participant, reflected, “Most of the things I learned today I never really knew. I was surprised to find out that these things happen in the world…like people being born with both male and female parts. But what stood out most is to not judge a book by its cover, always respect those in need, never turn your back on others and always have safe, protected sex.”
The facilitators ensured the content was both engaging and rights-based. Alistair McLean, Deputy Chairman of the Combined Disabilities Association who was a session facilitator, emphasized the importance of educating participants on the Disability Act and the right to healthcare. “The aim of my presentation was to build awareness. The Disabilities Act covers certain rights, and healthcare is one of the major ones. It talks about the right to housing, right to transport, right to employment, right to education and training. And I believe that healthcare, given how critical that is, it was very important for me to come here and to inform persons of what their guaranteed rights are and what are some of the challenges that persons with disabilities would normally face, hence, the Disabilities Act would fortify their rights. The major takeaway that I would want participants to have is that healthcare is a right. It is not a privilege. It is not optional. And I would want them to also take away that where these rights are breached, there is recourse that they can get access to,” he said.
This specialized training session is part of CVC’s broader push to break systemic barriers and ensure no one is left behind in the fight for equality, health, and rights.
