More than 15% of people living with disability have never attended school - Kiran

Concerning statistics have been revealed about people living with disability, with more than 15 percent having never attended school, about 51 percent accessing secondary school qualification, while 34 percent left school before finishing, and only 5 percent attained post-secondary education.

Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran highlighted this while officiating the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation’s 40th Anniversary celebration.

Kiran says the Federation plays a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Fiji and marks their continued collaboration to enhance the lives of all Fijians.

She says according to 2017 data, people with disability are more likely to live in lower wealthy households with 23 percent living in the lowest and 16 percent living in the highest wealthy households.

The Assistant Minister says together, we have made strides towards a more inclusive society, but the work is far from over.

She encourages everyone to champion the rights of individuals with disabilities and ensure their voices are heard.

The event was attended by various stakeholders, district leaders and members of the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation.