Disability inclusion projects across Southern Africa
Projects that change lives
Our disability inclusion projects turn advocacy into action across Southern Africa. They are led by and for persons with disabilities, grounded in evidence, and delivered with affiliates.
Projects are where SAFOD's work meets communities on the ground. They train people, build services, and test ideas that can grow into wider change in the SADC region.
Each project supports our programmes and our regional campaigns. Here are the projects we have delivered.
Our disability inclusion projects
Ongoing
CBM / BMZ project
Enhancing disability-inclusive DRR capacities in Southeast Africa
SAFOD runs a three-year project on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. Delivered with CBM Global, it cuts the risk persons with disabilities face in climate disasters. The work includes OPD training, policy mapping and regional advocacy.
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Ongoing
Loughborough University · economic empowerment
Arts and crafts project — Mochudi, Botswana
SAFOD supports 13 craftspeople with disabilities in Kgatleng District, Botswana. Backed by Loughborough University, it built a multi-purpose hall in Mochudi and an e-commerce platform. The work helps craftspeople build inclusive, sustainable enterprises and reach global buyers.
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Phase II planned
Research project · FIRAH
Disability and sexuality: stories from South Africa
This research project challenged myths about the sexuality of people with physical disabilities. Funded by FIRAH, it used a public survey, interviews and an awareness campaign. People with disabilities took part as co-researchers. SAFOD now plans a second phase.
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Ongoing
OSISA project · inclusive ECDE
Inclusive early childhood development and education project
SAFOD helps young children with disabilities get found early and join school in Lesotho, Mozambique and Zambia. Funded by OSISA, it links community rehabilitation with inclusive early learning. Affiliates train caregivers and set up local working groups.
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Ongoing
UNICEF project · #IYV
#InclusiveYoungVoices — youth online advocacy project
This project began by training 20 youth ambassadors with disabilities across Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi. It now involves young people with disabilities across the region. They use social media to push for disability mainstreaming, through youth dialogues, a writers' competition and meetings with policymakers.
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Offline
Google Impact Challenge · assistive technology
Assistive Technology Information Mapping project (AT-INFO-MAP)
AT-Info-Map mapped AT suppliers and service providers across ten Southern African countries. The mobile app helped users find AT in Botswana and beyond. The app's hosting has now expired. SAFOD is seeking funding and partners to bring it back, as its loss hits persons with disabilities searching for AT suppliers.
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Inactive
FFO Norway project
Strengthening human rights and good governance across SAFOD affiliates
This three-year project built the skills of SAFOD affiliate DPOs in good governance, advocacy and UNCRPD monitoring. Funded by FFO Norway, it trained eight affiliate federations in shadow reporting. National monitoring mechanisms were set up or strengthened in Namibia, Malawi and Mozambique.
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Inactive
OSISA project
Building OPD capacity for an inclusive legislative environment in Eswatini
SAFOD helped its Eswatini affiliate FODSWA recover after years of leadership and funding problems. Funded by OSISA, it strengthened governance, advocacy and UNCRPD monitoring. The work produced an advocacy manual and supported lobbying for a new Disability Bill.
View projectHow our projects work
We work with national affiliates and partners such as OSISA and CBM Global. Read our publications for results and lessons.
Want to help? Volunteer with us, explore a partnership, or donate. You can also contact SAFOD.
