The review of reports has established that there is a realization among the PWDs community groups that for a long time had abdicated their role of participation in governance which resulted in poor service delivery. Most of the groups admit that the gaps in service delivery were as a result of lack of knowledge which suppressed their ability to demand “demand” for quality services. Once they started engagement with the authorities’ service delivery has improved. Community groups now have a platform to articulate demands and dialogue and interface with duty bearers: The gap in information had denied groups the ability to stand up for themselves.
Strengthened collaboration and networking between partners
Increased capacity to network and collaborate and learning: Built and enhanced relationships and trust between citizens and institutions (at local, regional and national levels. Many examples of PWDs groups are currently collaborating with and complementing local authorities. In exercise of their ability to learn and apply their ownership of Turning the Tide skills and knowledge.
Success stories
Peaceful procession by PWDs in one of the Kenyan towns- seeking to be heard through nonviolent campaigns.Most PWDs have limited access to information due to low levels of education and curtailed/limited exposure and movement. Muungano self help group in its inception stages got a chance to receive Turning the Tide training. As a result, the group identified in details the social injustices challenging efforts of disability inclusion in the community. It was then that they established that despite the government rolling out funding to support people with disabilities, the procedures and requirements of access remained unclear. On work and employment, they observed that their disability had affected their individual earnings and household income due to challenges accessing formal employment, they also faced barriers to informal work and self-employment due to exclusion from micro-credit schemes.After the training the group embarked on a social campaign to change their fortunes armed with the training, campaign strategies and a promise from AfriNOV to walk with them. The group leveraged on Turning the Tide skills to break barriers to financial access and empowerment of people with disabilities. This has seen them expand from nothing to a recognized and an expanding business owning group. The group also started to seek information on available opportunities for income generation. They have been able to apply for several government grants and affirmative funds. They have built partnerships with local organizations, local leaders and government officials. The group has distinguished itself as the most improved PWD grassroots group in Nairobi region.