Vice-President Jane Ansah has challenged employers to look beyond physical appearance when considering people for employment, saying people of short stature and those with disabilities can perform tasks when given the opportunity.
Ansah made the remarks after two people, of whole has short stature, completed driving lessons and obtained their driving licences through an initiative supported by the Dr Jane Ansah Foundation.
She said the two graduates had demonstrated that their physical stature should not be used as a basis for denying them employment opportunities.
“I believe that Mr Handsome will not be rejected because he is short,” Ansah said.
She said Mr Handsome had demonstrated his ability to operate a vehicle, including reversing, with adaptations to accommodate his stature.
“He has demonstrated here that he has got those extensions. He has talked about 3.10, reverse, so he is even able to do reverse. It means he is just as good as any driver,” Ansah said.
The Vice-President said the achievement should help change perceptions about the capabilities of people who are often marginalised because of their physical characteristics.
She said the Foundation’s approach was to provide people with skills that can enable them to become independent, rather than relying on financial assistance.
“This is what Dr Jane Ansah Foundation is all about. It is not about giving Mr Handsome 5,000 here, 1,000 there, but he should be able to earn,” she said.
Ansah said the initiative would also consider other groups, including older people who are physically capable of driving and people with disabilities.
She pointed to the example of an instructor at Chabwera Driving School who has a disability but is qualified to teach others how to drive.
“She is not only a driver, but she is also an instructor. So I believe that’s why they were encouraged, knowing that in driving there is no limitation,” Ansah said.
Meanwhile, Chabwera Driving School owner Augustine Chabwera said the institution is committed to helping more people acquire driving skills, regardless of their physical circumstances.
Chabwera said the driving school believes in people’s capabilities and will continue providing opportunities for those who want to learn.
The two graduates have now joined the pool of licensed drivers, with Ansah expressing hope that employers will give them an opportunity to put their newly acquired qualifications into practice.
She said securing employment would give meaning to the four-year dream pursued by one of the beneficiaries and further demonstrate the value of investing in skills development.
