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EDAN is a quaterly publication of the WCC programme on persons withdisabilities within the Justice and Peace Creation Team. Issues and viewsin this publication are opinions held by the members and contributors ad

not neccesarily of EDAN or WCC.

Managing Editor: Sam Kabue Editor: Angeline Okola

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EDANP.O. Box 22, 00300, Nairobi - KenyaTel: 254 66 73403 Fax: 254 66 73006

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A few years ago, a Tanzanian friend of mine whois a senior official of Disabled PeopleInternational and a physically disabled man on awheel chair was traveling by himself through aLatin American City. Airlines will normally haveground staff who provides assistance to personswith disabilities traveling alone and such anAssistant was provided to take him through theimmigration procedures. On presenting hispassport, the officer at the desk looked at it, keptit aside and requested him to wait. The groundstaff assistant was requested to leave him with apromise that the immigration department staffwould take over. My friend was very suspiciousas it is quite unusual for immigrationdepartments to take over the work that isnormally done by the airline. The waiting waslong and he began to get agitated. He wanted toknow what was happening and as heapproached the man at the Immigration Desk,some uniformed policemen appeared and

without any word handcuffed him. In no time, hehad been pushed and locked in a cell withouteither his passport or luggage. He was all alonein the cell and for the remaining part of the day;he did not see anybody who could tell him whatwas happening. All he knew was that he wasunder arrest.

It took him three agonizing days of poor feedingwithout a bathroom in a cold cell and of course amissed opportunity to participate in the meetingto which he was traveling before he could fullyunderstand what was happening. He had beenmistaken for a terrorist from Morocco who sharedthe same name with him and on whom theInterpol had been put on alert. What this incidenttaught me was that police surveillance could nottake chance in regard to terrorists whatever thesituation of their body function. In the case of myfriend, a wheelchair which normally is seen as asymbol of people needing assistance, care and

Promotion andprotectionof therights anddignity ofpersons withdisabilities



tender treatment was no excuse to prevent themfrom shutting in my friend. Certainly, this was avery nasty experience but now that it is far behindus as part of history, I can draw some learningfrom it. When it came to terrorism alertness,disability was not a concern. My friend was seenas a man capable of causing harm and thereforeneeding to be isolated for the good of thehumanity. He was treated “on equal basis” withall other terrorist suspects. It would help personswith disabilities greatly if the society could takecue from this experience and treat them on equalbasis with all others in all spiritual, social,economic and political life of the society.

During the last session of the UN Ad HocCommittee discussing the convention onpersons with disabilities, one delegate remindedthe assembly that the process of drafting theconvention has to constantly bear in mind thatthe objective is not to create new rights forpersons with disabilities. Rather, it is to affirmthe entitlement to persons with disabilities to thehuman rights already stipulated in the variousUN human right instruments. He went on toemphasize that this is why the instrument underdevelopment is referred to as A Convention “onthe promotion and protection of the rights anddignity of persons with disabilities”. From thiscaution, we are meant to understand that whatthe new instrument is intended to achieve is thetreatment of persons with disabilities on equalbasis with all others provided that theircircumstances and especially any perceived orreal limitations that may be imposed by their

impairment is put into consideration.

This provision to recognize that persons withdisabilities are disadvantage by their impairmentsis what makes the difference in this instrumentfrom all others in the past. It will help to up-liftthem from marginalization, attitudinal prejudiceand exclusion from such mainstream activities ofthe society as poverty alleviation programmes,HIV-AIDS intervention initiatives, society conflictresolution efforts and the entire governanceprocesses.

It is very encouraging that many member statesof the United Nation aretaking part in the formulationof the instrument whosediscussion is now at theinformal negotiation stage. Itis however, unfortunate thatmany of the member statesin the South do not haveadequate representation foreconomic reasons. It hasbeen noted that where statesare not represented bydelegates from the Capitals,there is either norepresentation from the UN

missions or it is inconsistent. We cannot blamethese missions. The staff there are busy with verymany other issues which the UN is dealing withbut worse still, they are not conversant withdisability issues. It is therefore very necessarythat delegations include representatives from thecapitals and that persons with disabilities beadequately represented. This may call for closeliaison between the national disabilitymovements and the relevant Governmentministries in the selection of delegates as isalready happening with a few countries. Personswith disabilities are still crying, “Nothing about uswithout us”. Let member states intensify thereparticipation in this process and ensure that itsbeneficiaries, people with disabilities areadequately represented at every stage.

He was treated “onequal basis” withall other terroristsuspects.


“Let’s give an opportunity to 10% of the world’s populations”by Rafael de Lorenzo

HUMAN DEVELHUMAN DEVELHUMAN DEVELHUMAN DEVELHUMAN DEVELOPMENTOPMENTOPMENTOPMENTOPMENTAND DISABILITYAND DISABILITYAND DISABILITYAND DISABILITYAND DISABILITY

A talk by Rafael de Lorenzo during a meetingof the Club of Rome which is a group ofscientists, economists, businessmen,

international high level civil servants, heads of Stateand former heads of State who pool their differentexperiences from a wide range of backgrounds tocome to a deeper understanding of the political,

social, economic, technological, environmental,psychological and cultural issues- facing humanity. Itdoes so taking a global, long term andinterdisciplinary perspective aware of the increasingindependence of nations and the globalisation ofproblems that pose predicaments beyond thecapacity of individual countries.

“Before beginning my remarks, I would like toexpress my gratitude to the Club of Rome and itsExecutive Committee for having included me in thisgroup of personalities who represent a school ofthought and concerns for the development ofhumankind and the future of the planet, withoutwhich many of the advances we know today wouldnot have been possible. My gratitude goes beyond

the feelings of a person who is thus honoured, anhonour I hope to prove worthy of, because I interpretthis appointment as a demonstration of thesensitivity the Club of Rome to the phenomenon ofdisability, a phenomenon that affects one in ten ofthe planet’s inhabitants and that erects barriers, thatare often impassable, that prevent full participationin society. These barriers can becomeinsurmountable in less advanced economics andwhen added to other factors of socialmarginalization they can condemn hundreds ofmillions of people to exclusion and poverty and toliving on the fringe of society. I also feel gratitudebecause as I am one of the first persons with adisability to become a member of the Club, in myown modest achievements we recognise the effortsof many people and organisations that work to bringabout integration, among them the Spanish NationalOrganisation for the Blind, which I represent.

I would also like to thank the Club for having invitedme to share a panel with such personalities asFederico Mayor who has always shown the utmostconcern for the social integration I have justdescribed. Many years ago, Mr. Mayor wasinstrumental in promoting the first national plan forthe prevention of congenital disabilities in Spain.Another motive of gratitude is that with myintervention I have the opportunity to stress thatfostering as an unequivocal human value therecognition of differences and the creative potentialof diversity would not be enough to promoteintegration, if we do not examine in depth all of thefacets of these differences. Differences betweenhuman beings, in many instances, do not emanateonly in differences between cultures and creeds, orin differences in income and social position, but toother inequalities linked to personal circumstances,functional capacities and our own life experiences.Therefore, the risk we need to stern is not the risk of

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human divergence, derived from different access tomaterial resources, but the risk of discrimination thatcan arise from the barriers erected by productivityand social and cultural habits. We run the risk oflimiting expectations and wasting the potential ofpeople with sensorial, or mental limitations or ofpeople whose faculties decline in the later years oflife.

This is not the first time that the Club reflects onthese concerns. Since its creation, the Club hasstressed that sustainable development is notenough, but that we must strive for humandevelopment that encompasses the capacities ofeach and every member of the human family and

that eradicates the factors that lead to exclusion. AsAurelio Peccei warned in his study of “HumanQuality”, we must fully develop all human capacities,whether already existing or latent. In this perspectiveit is not surprising to hear the president of the UnitedStates, in a recent address to the nation say that intimes of unprecedented economic expansion, asindustrialised economies are experiencing now,there are people who find no place to participate inthis boom in prosperity. Among them are three out ofevery four Americans with severe disabilities whowant to work, but who are unable to find jobs. Thissituation, continued the president, is not only unjust,but also a luxury that society cannot afford.

These issues go beyond the merely economicsphere, as our President, Ricardo Diez Hochleitner,remarked in his prologue to the Spanish edition ofAurelio Peccei’s report on human quality. He statedthat to develop human potential, it is important totake, into account our whole social context, together

with its moral and ethical connotations, and neverlose sight of the values of freedom, equality andjustice. These are points of reference that, as Pecceistated in his “Testimony of the Future”, are key inenhancing quality and in enabling people to meetthe extraordinary challenges, as well as theexceptional opportunities of our times.

Rethinking our developmentmodelWithout ever losing sight of this human dimension,the Club has endeavoured to study the impact ofunlimited growth, technological changes, thedifficult governance of the ever more complex

systems of the new financialeconomies and the limits ofsocial cohesion in humandevelopment. Theconsequences of thesephenomena, heightened by theimpact of the informationrevolution and the globalisationof our markets, have increasedthe risk of human dualizationand hushered in new forms ofexclusion. These socialchanges are, further,strengthening certain socialpatterns to the detriment of

those aspects which do not fit into the mould ofeconomic productivity. Throughout this process,however, Mankind has become aware that it isimpossible for us to maintain a relationship withnature if it does not take into account our limitationsand the ultimate consequences of our actions. Weare beginning to understand that the problems weface are all linked to one another. Overpopulation, forexample, is not isolated from the scarcity ofeducational and material resources. Man hasgrasped that bequeathing these things to futuregenerations can have more dire consequences thanwe had ever thought, and we are now beginning toprotect biodiversity.

However, what Man has yet to fully fathom is that inthis confusion of progress and stagnation, opulenceand misery, we are not developing a system ofvalues that will help put technical achievements atthe service of all mankind. We have yet to definesolidarity with others as the core of our behaviour,and to learn to “selfishly” share wealth and

Overpopulation, forexample, is notisolated from thescarcity ofeducational andmaterial resources.




opportunities. It is essential for the future, therefore,to secure those values which promote equality withindiversity. This equality must permeate all areas of’human life, if we want to fully develop the spiritualpotential that each of us harbours, independently ofour circumstances and conditions.

For these reasons, the new crossroads Humanity hasreached are not reflected iii plans for economic andtechnical development, but in plans for inter-personal relations, for discovering others andexpressing will to share with each other a commondestiny from the perspective of our individualdifferences. It is also necessary for us to rethink the

development model we want to follow. We areturning a century characterised by enormous socialand technological advances, which have fosteredunimaginable growth in activities and consumption.These advances have facilitated communicationsand contact between societies and individuals insuch fast-changing terms that they are difficult toassimilate. Simultaneously, the pillars for a new worldorder are being laid, based on global dimensions,continuous interaction and the de-localisation of theessential factors in our traditional models of political,social and economic organisation. However, thisgrowth has not been socially neutral, but brings withit the undesirable consequences of territorialinequality, environmental tensions, social inequalityand clashes between the cultures and values ofdifferent societies and groups.

While it is true that this growth has led tounprecedented levels of well-being for many layersof society, it is no less true that the gaps betweenhuman groups are growing wider: one billion peopleare excluded from access to prosperity, innumerableregional and local conflicts originating in povertyand a lack of hope dampen the spirit of progress.These problems are not confined to the Third World.Fifteen percent of the industrialised world’spopulation lives below the poverty threshold.

This is all the more paradoxical when we recall thatthe explicit objectives of the post-war economic andsocial model were to promote economic growth,harmonious social development and fullemployment and to eradicate social conflict throughthe welfare state. The philosophical grounding of thismodel is the search for equality and solidarity,corrugated by the State’s exercise of its regulatorypower through justice, equity and shared social andcultural values that would lead to integration andharmony.

The challenges we face today are globality,interdependence, diversity and uncertainty. Theseare not abstractions, but things that directly affecthuman beings, human values and the developmentof individuals as the subjects of just and balancedprogress and growth. When we stand at thecrossroads, it is only with this in mind that we will beable to chose the road of progress and solidarity.


The challenges we facetoday are globality,interdependence,diversity anduncertainty. These arenot abstractions, butthings that directlyaffect human beings.


The opportunities before usAs we stand at the crossroads, where we are askedto positively evaluate and integrate differences,Mankind faces many difficulties and threats indiscerning the right road to travel, without shuttingout of History underprivileged people and nations.However, our chances of making the right choicesare even greater, thanks to the knowledge andtechnical instruments available to us. Man haslearned that the past cannot mechanically berepeated. These changes must be managed withthe same rigor that we manage the risk that all

change entails. Man possesses the methodology tomake dynamic changes, although we are unsurefrom our current viewpoint which is the direction wewant to take.

Also in our favour is the fact that progress in thefields of medicine and technology has been so greatand effective that if these advances are fully applied,natural disabilities can be overcome, the effects ofdisease and poverty can be eliminated and peopleswith the widest diversities can live in full integration.This, of course, will only be achieved if newtechnologies and scientific advances are conceivedfor the good of all. They must be designed for“general use”. Otherwise this technology, far fromfreeing man of his fetters, will simply constituteanother link in the chain that historically, hascondemned the disabled to subordination anddependence.

Correctly and fully used, technical and materialopportunities will help each person fulfil ameaningful role in society, contributing the best of

his knowledge and skills. In some instances peoplewill use technical means and instruments to extendtheir own communication and action capacities,means and instruments without which they wouldotherwise be unable to contribute to society andeconomic life.

Social integration requiresintegration in the work forceWe know that employment is the primary concern oftoday’s citizens throughout the world. Having a job

means playing a meaningfulrole in society, enjoyingrecognition as the subject ofrights and obligations, beingin the hub of the virtuouscircle of social welfare. Nothaving a job means living onthe fringe of society, or beingexcluded altogether. Oursociety is organised aroundoccupations andemployment. Many of ourmost cherished values arebased on how the individualrelates to productiveactivities. Not having a job

places a person at risk of social exclusion, becauseour social model is based on cultural patternsarticulated around the work factor.

We need to restitute the value of a person’s work, topersonify work as the link between human beings, nomatter what each person’s capacity may be. Work isthe vehicle that allows people to belong to a socialgroup. All members of society must be able to takeadvantage of the new opportunities that economicdevelopment offers. The potential of the newtechnologies, particularly enhanced communicationand access to information, has become a tool towield incalculable power that can be used toprevent dualization and exclusion.

These factors are much moredecisive for people withdisabilitiesDualization and exclusion are oven greater threatswhen a person’s disability conditions his or her veryexistence. Please allow me at this point to makeexplicit reference to a segment of society, people

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with disability. These people have often beenoverlooked, and their expectations of integration inthe fabric of their societies are low, independently ofthe degree of development in their countries of origin.I am speaking of a large segment of society,comprising approximately 10% of the world’spopulation, that may not only be living in substandardconditions, but with the aggravation of a disability.Thirty years after the United Nations launched itsrigorous program for prevention, attention,rehabilitation and integration of people with disability,it is still vital to raise our voices for fair treatment andsolidarity, and to call for the adoption of laws andpractices to promote integration, to prevent thesepeople from being shut out, cut off from access to theopportunities available to the rest of Society.

There is not doubt that modern societies are more

conscience than ever of this situation, and manycountries have incorporated in their Constitutions andlaws ways to eradicate discrimination and promoteintegration. These, however, are no more than formalaspects, that do not ensure real and effectiveintegration. The fact that public powers and socialgroups are unable to promote true integration is amanifestation of the inefficiencies of the socialsystems we use, and clear proof that we are runningthe risk of using one set of moral values and norms inour public discourse, but applying another in ourbusinesses, private affairs and daily lives. We must notforget that discriminating against persons withdisability, relegating them to lesser roles is not only aquestion of laws — which are of the utmostimportance, though insufficient in and of themselves— since social exclusion is a reality that we are oftenunaware of. It is a vague practice, deeply rooted in allof our societies, based on stereotypes and ideashanded down for generations, and that no one canescape. The less ostensive these are, the moredifficult they are to eradicate.

A society’s architecture is expressed through thedegree of cohesion between its members. Cohesionis based on the effective and real application of theprinciples of equality and solidarity as the mostpatent expression of the values that constitute thecore of the human condition. It is not enough to garnerformal respect for these principles and incorporatethem into the legal framework of each of our nations.These are the principles that should inform our dailyactivities and our moral duties. They should fosterattitudes and values that will grant people withdisabilities greater access to the virtuous circles ofoccupations and activities, the rights and obligationsthat shape the lives of any other member of society.

Many people are beginning to join their voices to thedenunciation lodged by the European Parliamentwhen it stated that current treatment of people withdisability violates many universal human rights.Respect for, and the promotion of human rights andhuman diversity have been traditional characteristicsof our societies, constituting an essential part of thevalues common to all cultures founded on humanrespect. A way must be found to heighten thisproblem’s visibility. This is a moral obligation whosepursuit will restore the most human of our attributes,solidarity and equality with our fellow man. Thisentitles each of us to exercise our rights, merelybecause we are alive and part of the community that

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surrounds us. We need to stimulate the spirit ofinitiative and debunk the spirit of resignation, andtake into account each person’s limitations, be theydetermined by social condition, disability or old age.

The quality of life lived with solidarity, that looks todiversity to build new horizons, will be enhanced withthe adoption of new values based on the freedom theindividual to be himself, unique, with the ability toshare with others. Bequeathing these values to futuregenerations will be just as important as leaving thema clean environment. This legacy, which sees the spiritof fraternity as a crucial driving force throughouthistory, should imbibe us with a new spirit to bringabout personal changes that permeate not only ourdaily rounds, but our attitudes as well.

Building a life based on solidarityTo attain this objective, it is necessary to understandthe reasons behind, and the extent of human diversity.It is necessary to clearly comprehend that peoplerequire different forms of learning, working andenjoying leisure time in our different societies andcultures. We must also determine what technologycan do to overcome these differences, and whatpolicies should be instrumented to fulfil theexpectations of all members of society. We need toclarify how to organise social services, and define thecommitments that our public administrations andprivate initiate will make when meeting the legitimatedemands of a population whose life expectancy ismuch longer that foreseen in the industrial economiesor the rural civilizations of the past. To do this, we mustanalyse the reality of the world today, identifyingopportunities and threats, and their impact onassimilating a culture of differences and otherness. Aculture whose only element of uniformity is the dignityof each person to chose his or her own future and wayof life.

We need to strive to explore the new opportunitiesbefore us. Ever-growing technological developmentsplace in our hands new possibilities that need to beoriented and channelled by strengthening the valuesthat constitute our common social patrimony. We areall called on to participate and orient the process,while we must not forget that the public powers havespecific responsibilities to uphold.

But success does not rest with the public powers. AndI say this from the confidence that I have of having

personally seen how the efforts and constancy ofmany people, with and others without disability, haveborne the fruits of integration. These rewards increaseas we explore the possibilities offered by newtechnologies to accelerate integration in the activeworld on equal footing with the rest of society.

Hence, as I have proposed to the ExecutiveCommittee, I want to convey the great interest thatmany of us have in seeing the Club of Romeincorporate in its reflections a report on “HumanDevelopment and Disability”. This report should givean account of all those Gordian’s knots that FedericoMayor has brought to our attention in his latest book,all of them problems that have a firm grip on people’sfutures. These knots often wind more tightly aroundpeople with sensorial, motor or mental disabilities.However, I believe we will be able to untie these knotsif we can place all of our knowledge and technicalskills at the service of the new human frontier ofuniversal integration for everyone.

However, technical skills and economic know-how willnot be enough. The greatest problems we face today,as Aurelio Peccei and Daisaku Ikeda remind us in“Before it is Too Late”, are still spiritual and ethical innature. They are problems that cannot be solved byincreasing material and cognitive means. They residein our most intimate beings, and it is only by renewingour values that we will be able to take on these newchallenges. We will then be aware, with sereneassurance, that if we recognize ourselves in our fellowman, we will never be defeated by the threats of thefuture. We will be able to sever the knots of socialexclusion that prevent many people with disabilityfrom leading full and active lives.

Any study, any action we undertake must be foundedon the central axis of promoting the development ofevery person. As a re-reading of Aurello Peccei willremind us, the quality of the protagonists will be thedecisive factor in the human adventure. There can beno quality, no matter how equal opportunities are - inand of itself no mean feat - if we cannot spark a newhumanism, from which no one is excluded, that willnurture a spiritual renewal in each of us, a renewalfounded on a dialogue with others, different fromourselves. This renewal will be based on theintegration of disability as a human resource thatmust not be wasted.

I

December 3rd marks the 11th anniversary ofUnited Nations Day for persons withdisabilities. While other United Nations days

of this kind are given a lot of prominence, the UN Dayfor the disabled passes like any other day. What doesthat tell us about its significance? What milestoneshave the disabled passed as a result of the day’sdeclaration?

The day was intended to remind us that disability isvery much with us; if not today, tomorrow; if nottomorrow, the day after. That disability is not thepreserve of any particular group. That disability is theonly phenomenon that can generously strike anyperson, any time, anywhere. That it respects nogender, no creed, no race, no tribe, and no class. Thatawareness should galvanize us into responding to theneeds of those with disabilities, working to build aworld in which those who succumb to disability canstill find fulfillment and meaning in their lives.

Working towards the elimination of all manner ofobstacles that impede disability and empoweringthose with disabilities should be the cardinal goal ofthe United Nations and its member governments.It would be dishonest to say that the United Nationshas done nothing about disabled people. But it wouldbe equally incorrect to say that the United Nationshas done the best it can to make a positive differenceto disabled people. The United Nations has beenlong on rhetoric, but short on practical actions.I am referring to numerous declarations andstatements of intent about equalization andopportunities for disabled people. When it comes tomarshalling resources and developing the necessaryinstitutional frameworks for effective implementationof those dreams, the UN has been found terriblywanting. Nothing much to write home about! And it’sa pity. One would have thought that internationalawareness of disability and an appreciation ofdiversity would have improved by the 21st century.The time for action is here. Why, for instance, isdisability missing from such United Nations initiativesas the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?

On a positive note, the United Nations has workedvery hard to ensure that disabled people get aconvention that will protect their rights and privileges.Probably, in the next two-three years, this conventionwill be in place. It is a step in the right direction.Other praiseworthy efforts include the mobilization of

blah-blah

Africa’sdisabled,it’s time foraction, no

For

By Phitallis Were

IN FOCUSIN FOCUSIN FOCUSIN FOCUSIN FOCUS

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many countries to ratify the Ottawa conventionbanning the production, stockpiling and use of anti-personnel mines. These efforts should be intensified,particularly in Africa.

What does the United Nations day for disabledpeople mean for Africa? This continent has thedubious distinction of treating disabled people worsethan wild animals. Most of the over 80 million Africanswith disabilities live worse off than monkeys and wildbeasts. With no food, shelter, education, assistingdevices or rehabilitation programs, they are oftenhidden away from the public eye. One does not haveto physically die to be termed dead. The grossdeprivation of all the basics of life, combined with a

denial of dignity, is tantamount to death!Many African countries have plenty of money when itcomes to buying weapons but have very little to investin the empowerment of disabled people. While manygovernments devote a huge junk of their GDP torelocating endangered elephants, very few mentionthe word “disabled people” in their budgets, leavealone allocating resources for training andrehabilitation.

While in many other parts of the globe disability isnow viewed as part of humanity’s rich diversity, inAfrica it is regarded as intolerable, a bad omen. Thisis unacceptable!

While African governments, through the African Union(AU), committed themselves to an African Decade ofPersons with Disabilities five years ago, many havedone little about it. Those, like Kenya, that haveactually developed national action plans have notmoved a step closer to mobilizing adequate

resources for implementation. They have also not putin place the institutional mechanisms to spearheadand monitor effective delivery of the action plan.The AU also stands accused of not doing much interms of representation of disabled persons in its keydecision-making organs. The African parliament,Economic and Social Council and the NewPartnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), tomention but a few, are all dismally short of disabledmembers.

Of course, we have yet to see efforts towardsdevelopment of an African charter on the rights ofdisabled people. The African Rehabilitation Institute(ART), based in Zimbabwe, which is supposedly the

African Union’s specializedAgency on disability andrehabilitation, is on itsdeathbed. This tells a millionabout how disabled peoplerank with the African leadership.Why, for instance, hasn’t theAfrican Union appointed agoodwill ambassador fordisability during this AfricanDecade of Persons withdisabilities 1999-2009?

On the home front, a number ofmilestones have been

achieved. However, it would be wrong to assumeKenyans are out of the woods. The process towardsgetting a new Disability Policy has been too slow. Thenever-ending constitutional review has denieddisabled Kenyans constitutional protection. Thecurrent constitution does not outlaw discrimination onthe grounds of disability.

Kenyans with disabilities, like other marginalizedKenyans, put in so much to deliver the Bomas DraftConstitution. In the Bomas Draft Constitution andspecifically Article 42 under the Bill of Rights, personswith disabilities are exclusively recognized and theirConstitutional Rights confirmed.

It is our earnest desire that this part of the Bomas Draftwill not constitute the so-called “contentious” clauses.Parliament should vote for disabled people to be partof the new dispensation. This is our serious andhumble appeal, for we believe that a country thatdoes not embrace all is guilty of exclusion, a recipe for

While in many otherparts of the globedisability is nowviewed as part ofhumanity’s richdiversity, in Africa itis regarded asintolerable, a badomen.



eventual disintegration.The government did enact thePersons with Disabilities Act 2003 lastDecember. In June this year, theGovernment gazetted many of theAct’s articles and in October, itgazetted the establishment ofNational Council for Persons withDisabilities. But in terms of resources,the government needs to do more toensure the Council has thewherewithal to ensure effectivedelivery of services.

It would be a terrible mistake to have“just another council.” As wecommemorate the 3rd of Decemberlet us re-dedicate ourselves to thecause of disability. The world at large

has more to benefit from embracingall , than from excluding some.

While in many other parts of the globedisability is now viewed as part ofhumanity’s rich diversity, in Africa it isregarded as intolerable, a bad omen.This is unacceptable!While African governments, throughthe African Union (AU), committedthemselves to an African Decade of

Persons with Disabilities five years ago, many have done little about it.Those, like Kenya, that have actually developed national action planshave not moved a step closer to mobilizing adequate resources forimplementation. They have also not put in place the institutionalmechanisms to spearhead and monitor effective delivery of the actionplan.

The AU also stands accused of not doing much in terms ofrepresentation of disabled persons in its key decision-making organs.The African parliament, Economic and Social Council and the NewPartnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), to mention but a few,are all dismally short of disabled members.

Of course, we have yet to see efforts towards development of an Africancharter on the rights of disabled people. The African RehabilitationInstitute (ART), based in Zimbabwe, which is supposedly the AfricanUnion’s specialized Agency on disability and rehabilitation, is on itsdeathbed. This tells a million about how disabled people rank with theAfrican leadership. Why, for instance, hasn’t the African Unionappointed a goodwill ambassador for disability during this AfricanDecade of Persons with disabilities 1999-2009?

On the home front, a number of milestones have been achieved.However, it would be wrong to assume Kenyans are out of the woods.The process towards getting a new Disability Policy has been too slow.The never-ending constitutional review has denied disabled Kenyansconstitutional protection. The current constitution does not outlawdiscrimination on the grounds of disability.

Kenyans with disabilities, like other marginalized Kenyans, put in somuch to deliver the Bomas Draft Constitution. In the Bomas DraftConstitution and specifically Article 42 under the Bill of Rights, personswith disabilities are exclusively recognized and their ConstitutionalRights confirmed.

It is our earnest desire that this part of the Bomas Draft will notconstitute the so-called “contentious” clauses. Parliament should votefor disabled people to be part of the new dispensation. This is ourserious and humble appeal, for we believe that a country that does notembrace all is guilty of exclusion, a recipe for eventual disintegration.The government did enact the Persons with Disabilities Act 2003 lastDecember. In June this year, the Government gazetted many of theAct’s articles and in October, it gazetted the establishment of NationalCouncil for Persons with Disabilities. But in terms of resources, thegovernment needs to do more to ensure the Council has thewherewithal to ensure effective delivery of services.

It would be a terrible mistake to have “just another council.” As wecommemorate the 3rd of December let us re-dedicate ourselves to thecause of disability. The world at large has more to benefit fromembracing all , than from excluding some.



Ecumen ica l D isab i l i t y Advoca tes Network 1 51 51 51 51 5Ecumen ica l D isab i l i t y Advoca tes Network 1 51 51 51 51 5

Hunger, malnutrition and poverty breeddisabilities. Between 250,000 and 500,000children go blind every year from Vitamin A

Deficiency (VAD). There are over 16 million mentallyhandicapped and nearly 49.5 million people withlesser degrees of brain damage due to IodineDeficiency Disorders (IDD). More than half of allpregnant women in the world are anemic, of whom90% live in developing countries.But disability is also cause of poverty and hunger,especially in rural areas, where people are far fromservices and have very limited economicopportunities. “Disabled people are marginalized,they are not considered economically active andthis leads them very often into the hunger trap,”explains Lawrence Jacobson, FAO Focal Point for

Disability Matters.Reducing the current figure of 600 million peoplewith disabilities worldwide can be achieved byboosting food production, improving nutrition andintegrating disabled people into sustainable ruraldevelopment programs. Two pilot projectsimplemented by the Food and AgricultureOrganization of the United Nations (FAO) in Thailandand Cambodia demonstrate how this can be done.Thailand has an estimated 1.1 million disabledpeople, representing around 1.8% of the population.Most of them live in the Northeast, the poorest part ofthe country. To enhance the skills of disabledfarmers, and make them successful entrepreneurswith income-generating activities, the FAO RegionalOffice in Bangkok developed an innovative training

By Nuria Felipe Soria

Disability:Disability:Disability:Disability:Disability:Disability:Disability:Disability:Disability:Disability:Consequence of Poverty and Cause of Rural Hunger


program based onmushroom cultivation.Mushrooms are part ofthe daily diet of Thaipeople and thus offergood marketopportunities, and theircultivation can bestarted at a very lowcost while generatingincome within a shorttime.“Mushroom cultivationhas restored their selfconfidence,” explainsMr. Jacobson. “Thesepeople have acquiredthe skills and means tolead better and moreproductive lives. Theycan stand on their own and, most important, theycan teach other people within their community.This acquired ability to lead and to teach otherpeople is an important aspect of the success ofthis project.”In Cambodia, the war and landmines have leftmore than 2% of the population handicapped andmarginalized. The per-capita rate of disability isone of the highest in the world. A joint programbetween Handicapped International and the FAOIntegrated Pest Management Program is givingthem additional skills to integrate into their

communities, to improveincomes, to manage their cropsbetter and to regain their self-esteem.“The project focuses not just ontreating marginalized ordisabled farmers as special,”explains Robert Nugent, FAOIntegrated Pest ManagementCountry Officer. “There is nopoint developing specialprograms just for disabledfarmers. You have to look at thefarming community as a wholeand how networks of farmers cancome together as trainers, asorganizers, as scientists. Thismodel is replicable anywherewhere there is a need to placefarmers at the centre of the

learning rather than production and technicaldelivery.”Lawrence Jacobson comments: “Fighting hunger inthe world means fighting to feed all hungry people.The rural disabled in developing countries are aparticularly vulnerable group who are all too ofteninvisible. It is essential that development programstake account of their special needs.”

For more information, please contact, Nuria FelipeSoria, FAO Information Officer:[email protected]



Twenty two (22) participants from 11 Africancountries and the Caribbean gathered inJohannesburg, South Africa from 2 to 6

November 2004 at a consultation on Disability andGlobalization jointly organized by the EcumenicalDisability Advocates Network (EDAN) and theEconomic Justice program of the Justice, Peaceand Creation Team of the World Council ofChurches. By way of paper presentations, plenaryand group discussions participants deliberated onhow to mitigate the negative impact of EconomicGlobalization on the PWDs. Participants present theJohannesburg Declaration to the All AfricaConference of Churches, EDAN, the WCC, theAfrican Union and the United Nations.

Recognizing the fundamental values and principlesof the African Union and the United Nations Chartersthat all human beings are equal in rights and dignityand equally entitled to civil and political as well aseconomic, social and cultural rights;

Observing the limitations of Economic Globalizationand its negative impact on People with Disabilities(PWDs) especially on women and youth and theobstacles it creates to full and effective participationof PWDs resulting in persistent poverty, socialexclusion and marginalization which impede theexercise of fundamental rights;

Noting that Structural Adjustment Programs andconcomitant cuts in social spending particularly oneducation, rehabilitation and health in variouscountries have had most severe effects on PWDs tothe extent of limiting opportunities foremployment, exacerbated by structural,environmental and attitudinal factors;

Bearing in mind that the lowering of legislativecontrol on social and Environmental StandardsImpact on PWDs, further noting that the NEPADand the Millennium Development Goals areuncharacteristically silent on the plight andconcerns of PWDs and further considering theincreased disadvantage to PWD of persistingconflicts and wars and;

Recognizing the global revolution in InformationTechnology and the many opportunities for PWDsin networking, capacity building, solidarity,employment and independent living thoughpossessing the potential to marginalize the poorespecially PWDs, in particular women, youth andintellectually challenged. Noting that the digitaldivide including inaccessibility to infrastructure ofICT, Internet and the ICT skills is acute for PWDsand that the multi media environment createsbarriers for PWDs


ADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACY

TheJOHANNESBURG DECLARATIONon Disability and Globolization



! Initiating inter-faith dialogue on disability issues! Establish closer working relationships with

Disabled Peoples Organizations at national andinternational levels to enhance opportunities forcapacity building support and sharing.

! Collaborate with academic institutions andresearch organizations in the promotion ofresearch studies into disability issues.

! Approach transnational ICT corporations andtheir foundations with a view to solicitingsupport for ICT initiatives for Persons withDisabilities.

ECUMENICAL DISABILITY ADECUMENICAL DISABILITY ADECUMENICAL DISABILITY ADECUMENICAL DISABILITY ADECUMENICAL DISABILITY ADVOCAVOCAVOCAVOCAVOCATES NETWORK (EDTES NETWORK (EDTES NETWORK (EDTES NETWORK (EDTES NETWORK (EDAN)AN)AN)AN)AN)

Reaffirms its commitment to engage churches in the process of awarenessReaffirms its commitment to engage churches in the process of awarenessReaffirms its commitment to engage churches in the process of awarenessReaffirms its commitment to engage churches in the process of awarenessReaffirms its commitment to engage churches in the process of awarenessbuilding and sensitization on the issue of disability and further commits itselfbuilding and sensitization on the issue of disability and further commits itselfbuilding and sensitization on the issue of disability and further commits itselfbuilding and sensitization on the issue of disability and further commits itselfbuilding and sensitization on the issue of disability and further commits itselft ototototo

! Establishing a data base for the coordinationand dissemination of qualitative andquantitative data on persons with disabilitiesand their competences, research issues,statistics and model projects,

! Explore links with the Secretariat of AfricanDecade for Persons with Disability.

! Continue monitoring and support of theprocess towards the promulgation of the UNConvention on the Promotion and Protection ofthe Rights and Dignity of People withDisabilities worldwide.

We urge,We urge,We urge,We urge,We urge,

THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHESTHE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHESTHE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHESTHE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHESTHE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

! to impress its member churches to offerscholarships for PWDs for higher education,restructure their traditional institutions for PWDsto include innovative empowering programs forPWDs, such as organizational development ofPWDs and Advocating Skills.

! to urge its churches to include PWDs in alldecision-making levels of churches andrelated agencies.

! to call upon its member churches to putpressure on their governments to support theprocess towards the UN Convention on


disability.! to continue its efforts towards identifying

alternative approaches to current trends ineconomic globalization, which reflect anappreciation for the dignity and rights of allhuman beings including persons withdisabilities (AGAPE) and to urgently seekmechanisms for their implementation.

! To commend to its member churches thestrides achieved in the AGAPE dialogue sinceits 8th Assembly and maintain the focus onglobalization issues through its 9th Assemblyand beyond

! to impress upon its member churches toencourage governments to devise programs tomitigate the negative effects of economicglobalization on PWDs.

! to support EDAN in the establishment of teamsof experts and researchers to audit major

policy formulations to ensure that disabilityissues are mainstreamed.

! to encourage the multilateral fundingorganizations including IFIs and developmentpartners to include PWDs especially womenand youth in poverty reductions strategyprograms.

! to include disability issues in its on goingdialogues with development partners.

! To encourage development agencies andmultilateral development organizations toinclude disability issues in all policies andestablish desks for persons with disabilities intheir organizations.

! to urge that disability issues be mainstreamedin all HIV\AIDS programs.

! to urge governments to keep accurate censusand survey data and devise disability friendlymethodologies of gathering data on PWDs.

! through its dialogue with the African Union toencourage it to create an African Charter ondisability and mechanisms forimplementation and monitoring of relatedpolicies.

! revise and resourceAfrican RehabilitationInstitute (ARI) toeffectively and efficientlyaddress disabilityissues.

! encourage membercountries to incorporatethe principle of universaldesign to facilitateaccessibility for allpersons with disability.

! ensure that enablingpolicy and legislationbecome part of thedemand for goodgovernance in APRM under NEPAD.

! persuade member countries to adopt theprinciples of international cooperation indevelopment of the UN Convention.

And urge,And urge,And urge,And urge,And urge,

THE ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHESTHE ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHESTHE ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHESTHE ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHESTHE ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES

Participants expressed the hope that theserecommendations would find resonance in allthe channels in which this declaration iscommunicated and that its recipients would act

urgently to safeguards the rights of disabledpersons with disabilities the world over who for toolong have suffered the disadvantages of thedisabling social environment in which they findthemselves.



This year the theme is “Nothing About UsWithout Us”. It focuses on the activeinvolvement of disabled people in the

planning of strategies and policies that affect theirlives.

Disability researchDisability researchDisability researchDisability researchDisability researchHealthlink Worldwide is currently managing thecommunications of the Disability Knowledge andResearch Programme (Disability KaR), a programmefunded by the Department for InternationalDevelopment (DFID). The programme includes threeregional roundtable meetings, in Malawi, India, andCambodia. The meetings provide an opportunity forface-to-face interaction between a wide range ofpeople involved with disability issues fromdeveloping and developed countries.

StatementStatementStatementStatementStatementParticipants at the first roundtable which took placein Malawi, from November 2 to 4 2004, produced astatement for the International Day of DisabledPersons which voiced the importance of taking arights-based approach towards disability anddevelopment.

The group called for measures to be taken tofacilitate in-depth, participatory research on issuesidentified at the roundtable, including transport, HIV/AIDS, education, and conflict situations, in order tocontribute to lasting change.

The 3rd of December sees developing anddeveloped countries of the world, the UN and itsspecialised agencies, people with disabilities andtheir organisations, the international community andother development agencies commemorating theworld disability day, officially known as the UNInternational Day of Disabled Persons.

This is an important day on our calendar whosetheme this year is ‘Nothing About Us Without Us.’ It is

CELEBRATING

UN INTERNATIONAL DAY OFDISABLED PERSONS

a day when we review and acknowledge the plight,achievements, contributions, commitments andaspirations of millions of people with disabilities inthe world; a day when we take stock of theperformance of our governments, developmentpartners, civil society organisations and otherrelevant players in terms of their contributiontowards disability and development.Historically, people with disabilities have been themost disadvantaged group and they continue to beviewed as such in many countries. Thus as a result ofnegative attitudes, inaccessible environmentsand insensible policies and practices, thesituation of people with disabilities iscommonly associated with poverty,lack of education, lack ofemployment, lack of independentliving and lack of empowerment.It is a history characterised bymarginalisation andoppression.

During the last 20 years peoplewith disabilities have, throughtheir own organisations, strivedto make their voices heard inmany countries by advocatingfor their rights and ensuring thatdisability issues become apriority and part of the disabilityagenda.

Through lobbying and advocacy, anew paradigm has emerged thatrecognises that people with disabilitieshave the same rights as non-disabledpeople. The human rights model, as it iscalled, does not expect children with CerebralPalsy to learn to walk in order to have the right to beeducated. It does not expect blind people to regaintheir sight in order to work; and deaf people neednot talk in order to be heard.



However, recognition of rights alone is not enough toimprove the living conditions of people withdisabilities. It is not just a question of prohibitingdiscrimination and expecting their situation toimprove the following morning.A rights-based approach to disability anddevelopment is about levelling the playing field sothat people with disabilities can access jobs,education, health and other services. A rights-basedapproach is about the removal of physical and socialbarriers; it is about attitude adjustments for policymakers, employers, teachers, health careprofessionals and even family members.

A rights-based approach is about ensuring universaldesign, accessible technology, and coordinatedpublic programmes and services. The approach

requires governments to provide the resourcesnecessary to implement these goals and to enforcepenalties for those who refuse to cooperate.

At a roundtable forum organised in Malawi byHealthlink Worldwide, UK, and the Federation ofDisability Organisations in Malawi, from 2 to 4November 2004, participants from Africa, Europeand South East Asia deliberated on a range of issuesthat are of concern to people with disabilities.

They noted with great concern that the process ofdeveloping poverty alleviation strategies indeveloping countries, for example, and genuineprogress towards achievement of the MillenniumDevelopment Goals (MDGs) have not included thefull participation of Persons with Disabilities.

The roundtable forum strongly felt that disabilityshould be mainstreamed into the social, economicand political agenda of governments, the United

Nations and funding agencies at national,regional and international levels,

including civil society organisations(CSOs).

The forum observed thatdespite considerable work

that has been done byDPOs, governmentaland non-governmentalorganisations,includingdevelopmentagencies, ondisability, meaningful

tangible results andlasting change have

yet to be achieved.

In view of the above, theforum called for urgent

measures to be taken tofacilitate in-depth and

participatory research on keyissues identified during this first

roundtable forum.



CHURCHESUP AND IN…….Providing rampedaccess at your church




Many churches have steps to their mainentrances and these can presentconsiderable barriers to people with

impaired mobility – especially those who usewheelchairs. The Disability Discrimination Actrequires that a church (as with other organizations)must look at any barriers to disabled people andtake reasonable steps to remove them or to createan alternative.

The provision of a temporary ramp appears, at first,

to be a good solution to overcoming the barrier thatis presented by a flight of steps – but is it such agood idea? Often, temporary ramps are made ofwood, are heavy and become slippery and worn withage. Sometimes the ramp has a very steep gradientand rarely will have handrails. Thus, it is difficult tomove, unsafe and provides minimal support to auser, not a good idea and quite likely illegal. A rampshould be in place at all times that a building isopen; it is discriminatory to expect people to waitwhilst the ramp is put in place.

A far better idea is to build a permanent ramp, evenif this is to a side door. If a secondary entrance isused for the ramp it should either be in sight of themain door or clearly signposted as an easier accessroute for disabled people; the side door should beopen whenever the building is in use. Thespecification for a ramp is quite complex and shouldbe adhered to closely. To construct a ramp that is toosteep or that does not have handrails is placingdisabled people in danger.

Providing a ramp to help people to get into a

building is not the end of the story; if your buildinghas to have fire exits, these too must be suitable forwheelchair use. It cannot be assumed that a singleramped access will be available in an emergency.Fire exits do not have to be constructed to the samestandards as entry ramps as they are intended onlyfor emergency downwards use. However, all fire exitsshould have no steps and a barrier free route to asafety zone. If it is not possible to create a saferamped fire exit it is vital that a refuge area becreated in order that, in an emergency, someone

who is unable to use stepscan remain in a secureenvironment until a rescue ismade. A refuge may be anarea protected by a fire door,or it may be an externalplatform (say, at the top of thesteps) on which a wheelchairuser can wait. It is vital thatany refuge area does not,when occupied, block anescape route for other people.Refuges and the routes tothem should be clearlysignposted and the staff of thebuilding should be familiar

with their use. The local fire officer should beconsulted when making emergency escapeprovision.

The provision of a ramp can make a great differenceto the mission of a church; when people can get inand out of the building with ease and withoutembarrassment they will feel welcomed and valued,they will want to come and worship God and will beable to play their full part in the life of the church.

Taken from Church Action on Disability Newsletter “All People”

October issue

“Our mission is toprovideopportunities forpeople withphysical disabilitiesto live healthy,active lifestylesand participatefully in theircommunity,”



NEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWS

People with Dementia and the Local Church –People with Dementia and the Local Church –People with Dementia and the Local Church –People with Dementia and the Local Church –People with Dementia and the Local Church –

In a Strange LandAbout one person in twenty over the age of

sixty live and about one in five over the age ofeighty has dementia. These people will have

spouses, partners, children, relatives and friends. It islikely therefore that just about every churchcongregation and community will have a number ofpeople affected, directly or indirectly by dementia.

How do clergy and layleaders, members of thecongregation and othersunderstand, relate andsupport these people?

What happens to the faith ofpeople with dementia? Howdo their carers cope with faithissues?

What happens when peoplemove into residential, nursinghomes or hospital? Whatforms of ministry areappropriate?

This book, written by someone who has spent manyyears as a parish priest is full of reflections andsuggestions. It is an attempt to guide and encouragepeople in this important but often neglected are ofministry.

CONTENTS

PPPPPART ONE: Setting the sceneART ONE: Setting the sceneART ONE: Setting the sceneART ONE: Setting the sceneART ONE: Setting the scene1. An opportunity offered and a challenge set.

PPPPPART TWO: TART TWO: TART TWO: TART TWO: TART TWO: Towards an understanding ofowards an understanding ofowards an understanding ofowards an understanding ofowards an understanding ofcare for people with dementiacare for people with dementiacare for people with dementiacare for people with dementiacare for people with dementia2. Getting our heads around dementia3. Some conditions relating to dementia4. The experiences of dementia5. Negative experiences of dementia

By Malcolm Goldsmith

6. Communication and dementia7. Family carers

PPPPPART THREE: The response of the localART THREE: The response of the localART THREE: The response of the localART THREE: The response of the localART THREE: The response of the localchurchchurchchurchchurchchurch8. Questions that are frequently asked9. Spirituality & Dementia10. Don’t talk of love – show me!

11. Worship – problems and possibilities

PPPPPART FOUR: Theological ReflectionART FOUR: Theological ReflectionART FOUR: Theological ReflectionART FOUR: Theological ReflectionART FOUR: Theological Reflection12. Engage the mind, touch the heart, feed the soulEpilogue

This book, writtenby someone whohas spent manyyears as a parishpriest is full ofreflections andsuggestions.

MalcolmMalcolmMalcolmMalcolmMalcolmGoldsmithGoldsmithGoldsmithGoldsmithGoldsmith


LETTERSLETTERSLETTERSLETTERSLETTERS

EDAN DIRECTORYAruna GnanadasonCoordinator,Justice Peace and CreationTeamWorld Council of Churches150 route de FerneyP.O. Box 2100CH-1211 GENEVA 2,SWITZERLANDPhone: +41 22 791 6026Fax: +41 22 791 6409Email: [email protected]

EDAN Reference GroupEDAN Reference GroupEDAN Reference GroupEDAN Reference GroupEDAN Reference Group

Carolyn ThompsonDisability Project CoordinatorCommission for Persons withDisabilities51 Inman Street, 2nd floorCambridge, MA 02139617-349-4692 voice617-349-4766 fax617-492-0235 TTYEmail:[email protected]

Rev. Arne FritzsonSvartriksslingan 9416739 BronnaSWEDENTelfax 46 8 808189Email: [email protected]. Noel O. FernandezP. O. Box 172,Ciego de Avila. CP 65100,CUBATel: Home (053) 33 22 7129Office (053) 33 22 5223Email: [email protected]

Samuel KabueEDANP.O. Box 2200300, NairobiKENYATel: 254 66 73403Fax: 254 66 73066Email: [email protected] or

[email protected]

EDAN RegionalEDAN RegionalEDAN RegionalEDAN RegionalEDAN RegionalCoordinatorsCoordinatorsCoordinatorsCoordinatorsCoordinators

Asia:Ying-Bo Joseph Tsai3F-2, No. 2, Lane 3,Der-An Street, Lyn-YaDistrict, 802, KaohsiungTAIWANTel: (Off) 886-7-2261360(Home)886-7-7169916Fax: 886-7-2261394Email: [email protected]

Africa:Rev. Dr. Abraham Adu BerinyuuCentre for Peace & SustainableDemocratic CultureP.O. Box 1276 Tamale,GHANATelfax: 233-71-22748Email: [email protected]

Europe:Simone PoortmanMadoerahof 83742 SH Baarn,THE NETHERLANDSTel: +31 3554 20840Email: [email protected]

And:Rev. Arne FritzsonSvartriksslingan 9416739 BronnaSWEDENTelfax 46 8 808189Email: [email protected]

Latin America:

Rev. Noel O. FernandezP. O. Box 172,Ciego de Avila. CP 65100,CUBATel: Home (053) 33 22 7129Office (053) 33 22 5223E. mail: [email protected] Pacific:Ye Ja LeeKorean Differently Abled Women’sUnited

Room 808A Christian Building136-46 Yunchi-Dong,Chong Ro-Ku, Seoul110-470KOREATel: (Office) 82-2-3675-9935Home 82-2-932-1081Fax: 82-2-3675-9934Email: [email protected]

Carribean:Rev. Dr. Gordon CowansKnox CollegeP.O. Box 1735 SpaldingClarendonJAMAICA W.I.Tel: 987 8015Home: 987 8080Phone/fax 987 8045Email: [email protected] [email protected]

North America:Rev. Kathy N. Reeves405 South Euclid Avenue,Oak park Illinois 60302UNITED STATES OFUNITED STATES OFUNITED STATES OFUNITED STATES OFUNITED STATES OFAMERICAAMERICAAMERICAAMERICAAMERICATel: (Office) 708 848 7360Home: 708 386 6421Fax: 708 848 7104Email: [email protected]

Middle East:Elie Samir RahbanyBatroun, Street Stouh,Imm. KhalilSaliba Nader, North Lebanon.LEBANONE-mail:[email protected]

Other Network Members

Razaka-Manantenasoa Ralphinec/o Lutheran House of StudiesStudent Residence29 Golf Road, Scottsville3201 PietermaritzburgREPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICAPhone and Fax: + 27 33 3460996email:[email protected]: [email protected]


BOOK REVIEWBOOK REVIEWBOOK REVIEWBOOK REVIEWBOOK REVIEW

Réverende Micheline KambaKasongo13, rue de Busu-melo No. 13,c/Kasa-vubu B.P. 303Kinshasa 1RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUEDU CONGOTel: + 242 8932198/818844809Email: [email protected]

Sarah BabiryeChurch of UgandaPDR OfficeP.O. Box 14123KampalaUGANDATel: 256-41-272906 or 342637Fax: 256-41-343757Email: [email protected]

Rev. John Naude20 Ribble Close, WellingboroughNorthants. NN8 5XJ, ENGLANDTel: 44 1933 679688Email: [email protected]

Bill Gaventa,The Boggs CenterRobert Wood Johnson MedicalSchool, UMDJP.O. Box 2688New Brunswick, N.J. 08903UNITED STATES OF AMERICATel: 732-235-9304Email: [email protected]

John M HullEmeritus Professor of ReligiousEducationSchool of EducationUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirmingham B15 2TTENGLANDtelephone: (+44) 121 414 4836fax: (+44) 121 414 4865website: www.johnmhull.biz

Network Partners

World Alliance of ReformedChurches,150 route de Ferney,P.O. Box 2100,1211 Geneva 2, SWITZERLANDPhone: +41 22 791 6237Fax: +41 22 791 6505Email: [email protected]

The Lutheran World Federation,150 route de Ferney,P.O. Box 2100,1211 Geneva 2, SWITZERLANDPhone: +41 22 791 6363Fax: +41 22 798 8616Email: [email protected]

ICCO - Interchurch Organizationfor Development CooperationZusterplein 22A3703 CB ZeistP.O. Box 1513700 AD ZeistTHE NETHERLANDSTel: 31 30692 7811Email: [email protected]

The United Church of Canada3250 Bloor Street WestSuite 400 Etobicoke, OntarioM8X 2Y4, CANADATel: 001 416 2315931Website: www.uccan.org


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