More skill and mental health programmes sought for persons with disabilities

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, May 22: A five-day crystal bead ornament-making training concluded in Kathmandu on Wednesday, with participants and organisers highlighting the need for more skill-based and mental wellness programmes to support the economic empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Organised by the Culture Society of People with Disabilities in Nepal with support from Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), the training brought together 21 participants, including wheelchair users, members of dwarf communities, and persons with Down syndrome. 

Organisers said the programme was designed to provide practical skills that could help participants become more self-reliant and create income opportunities.

Participant Yashoda Shah said the training significantly boosted the confidence of attendees, many of whom had no prior experience in beadwork.

“This kind of training, along with mental health counselling, is very necessary for us,” Shah said. “The HappyMe, the mental health counselling course, helped us see ourselves differently, and the skill we learned in just five days has opened new opportunities for us. We want more programmes and guidance like this.”

Meanwhile, Maheshwor Nepali of KMC said the metropolis remained committed to promoting inclusiveness and equality through such initiatives.

Trainer Radha Laxmi Shrestha said she was inspired by the participants’ enthusiasm and dedication throughout the programme.

“It was a wonderful experience teaching them,” Shrestha said. “They were eager to learn and remained curious and committed throughout the training.”

Sarita Thulung, president of the Culture Society of People with Disabilities in Nepal, stressed the importance of continued support for organisations working for persons with disabilities, especially in the areas of mental wellbeing and income generation.

“With proper support and cooperation, organisations like ours can reach many more people in need,” Thulung said. 

“After receiving the mental health counselling, we also realised how important mental health programmes are for persons with disabilities.”

The programme began on Saturday with a healing and spirituality session under the “HappyMe” initiative, followed by hands-on crystal bead ornament-making classes over the following days.

The HappyMe sessions were conducted voluntarily by spirituality and healing coach and journalist Anjali Subedi.

According to Bhawani KC, treasurer of the organization, the group has continued supporting persons with disabilities despite limited financial resources, including during the Covid pandemic.

The programme also showcased decorative items made by the participants during the training. Participants and organisers stressed the importance of better marketing opportunities and fair pricing so the skills could become a sustainable source of income.