Sebastian Kolowa University College

Friends of SEKUCo, wherever you are,

People with disabilities Can!

On 3rd December 2009, people around the world celebrated the potentials, gifts and talents endowed in people with disabilities. Sebastian Kolowa University College of Tumaini University took part in this important event by hosting the regional celebrations whose initiative taker was the Youth with Disabilities Community Programme (YDCP) based in the city of Tanga.

The commemoration began on 2nd December 2009 with lectures delivered mainly by SEKUCo staff and students. Testimonies, songs, poems and drama were also presented by young men and women with disabilities from within and outside Tanga region as well as SEKUCo students. It was a live testimony showing that people with disabilities can! On 3rd December 2009, the main celebrations began with the arrival of the guest of honour, the Regional Commissioner of Tanga region, Hon. Said Kalembo, who was accompanied by Lushoto District Commissioner, Hon. Sophia Mjema. Thereafter, the Fuizai trumpet choir led a procession from Campus A to Campus B. It was a colourful procession with representatives from all districts in Tanga region, Magamba villagers and SEKUCo community members carrying bangos reading Stop the killing of Albinos, We Can, SEKUCo: An inclusive university, etc. Upon arrival at Campus B, the National Anthem Mungu Ibariki Africa was sung. The guest of honour visited the exhibition tent at Campus B and had the opportunity to see handicraft of various kinds made by people with visual, hearing, intellectual and motor impairments.

Hon. Said Kalembo delivered a strong speech in the Assembly Hall, calling for joint efforts in ensuring the dignity and security of people with disabilities. He commended the initiative of holding the event at SEKUCo and commended the good work of the university college. Songs and poems were sung by youth with disabilities. The function in the Assembly Hall ended with a drama performed by Special Educators for Disabled and Orphans, an organisation of SEKUCo students aspiring to support families with disabled members.

The celebrations ended with a luncheon prepared by SEKUCo for the guest of honour, government and religious leaders, representatives from organizations of people with disabilities and members of the North Eastern Diocese Executive Council.

We look forward to next year’s celebrations on 3rd December 2010. And we look forward to celebrate SEKUCo’s First Graduation on 4th December 2010!

Yours in Christ,

Anneth