Reinforcing the Government of Goa’s commitment to building an inclusive
and empowered society, the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, participated in World Youth Skills Day Exhibition, organised by the Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship at Kala Academy, Goa from 15-17th July.
The exhibition provided an excellent platform to showcase the talents, creativity and vocational skills of persons with disabilities while promoting inclusion, skill development and meaningful employment opportunities.
The dedicated pavilion showcasing the talent, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of persons with disabilities was a powerful reminder that when society invests in abilities, barriers begin to disappear and possibilities become limitless.
Speaking on the initiative, Taha Haaziq, Secretary, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, stated “The vision of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant for organising ‘Skill Goa, Inclusive Goa – Building Skills. Breaking Barriers. Empowering Every Goan’ reflects a progressive and compassionate approach to governance. It is not merely about imparting skills; it is
about creating an ecosystem where persons with disabilities are empowered to become active contributors to Goa’s social and economic development. This vision reinforces our commitment to ensuring that inclusion remains at the heart of every policy and programme.”
“As a person with 100% visual impairment, I have personally experienced both the barriers that persons with disabilities encounter and the life-changing impact of true inclusion. It is therefore a matter of immense pride and responsibility for me to contribute to the vision of an Inclusive Goa through the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Every initiative we undertake is driven by the belief that every individual deserves equal opportunities to learn, participate and succeed with dignity,” he added.
One of the key attractions was the stall by the National Association for the Blind (NAB), Goa State Branch, Santa Cruz, Tiswadi who participated by setting up an exhibition stall showcasing a range of assistive aids and appliances designed for persons with visual impairment. The exhibition highlighted how these assistive technologies promote independent living, facilitate the performance of daily activities, and support skill development.
The stall also provided information on the computer training programmes, inclusive education initiatives, and comprehensive rehabilitation services offered by NAB Goa, aimed at empowering persons with visual impairment and fostering their social and economic inclusion.
The Chetna School, Curchorem, captivated visitors with live demonstrations of candle-making and intricate rangoli art, showcasing the creativity, craftsmanship, and vocational skills of its students. The exhibition reflected the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting skill-based learning among persons with disabilities.
The team from SIDDHAM Vocational Training Centre, Aastha’s Anand Niketan School for Children with Disabilities, proudly showcased and offered for sale a range of products handcrafted by its trainees. The display included mops, wipers, brooms, rakhis, as well as office files and folders, highlighting the vocational skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial abilities of the trainees.
The School also displayed a diverse range of handcrafted products, including decorated mugs, paintings, and household utility items, highlighting the importance of vocational training, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The Sanjay Centre for Special Education participated in the event by exhibiting handcrafted Ganesh idols made from Shadu clay. A team comprising 13 students and four teachers displayed the intricately crafted idols, demonstrating the artistic abilities, creativity, and craftsmanship of students with disabilities.
The exhibition served as a platform to celebrate the abilities of Persons with Disabilities while encouraging the public to appreciate their talents, support their products and foster greater social inclusion. It also highlighted the significant role played by educational institutions, NGOs and community organizations in promoting skill development and self-reliance among persons with disabilities.
The Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities reaffirm their commitment to promoting inclusive development by creating platforms that encourage skill enhancement, economic participation and greater visibility for persons with disabilities across the State.
