What can people in the Netherlands learn from Congolese persons working on inclusive food security for persons with disabilities? A lot, as it turns out. And vice versa as well!
End of June 2024, a delegation from Democratic Republic of the Congo visited the Netherlands for an interesting week. The participants, each with a different role in the We are Able! programme in DR Congo, had interesting exchanges, experience visits and discussions with people in the Netherlands about inclusive food security. It was also a great opportunity to bring forward the voice of DR Congo here in the Netherlands, in discussions with Dutch policymakers, civil servants and politicians.
Several elements of this weeks programme had an internal focus on learning. The participants discussed local inclusion agenda’s, advocacy based on best practices and the relevance of the UNCRPD. But there was also opportunity for external conversations: for instance with Dutch organizations working on inclusion of persons with disabilities, with civil servants that implement inclusion policies in their municipality, or with politicians that combat discrimination at the national level.
We thank the persons that were involved in organizing this week and facilitating the sessions and extend our gratitude to those who were open for a conversation with our representatives from the DRC. We hope the DR Congo team will take their lessons learned with them to their country and act as a resource person in the We are Able! programme. Together, we are committed to enhancing food security for persons with disabilities!
