Africa’s physically challenged people

Around ten percent of the world population live with a disability. Although plainly visible in African cities, the blind and physically challenged are often overlooked as they try to earn their living by begging. Some disabled are even locked up by their families, because they are considered to be a disgrace or even a curse by evil spirits.

Conventions certainly protect disabled people. However, the majority continue to encounter barriers within society. They face discrimination in social, economic and cultural life and are frequently denied their right to participate politically and to express their opinion freely.

This new Learning by Ear radio drama take us to Maganye, a fictional city situated in a remote region of Africa. Follow the story of Oluanda, who, all of a sudden, finds himself physically handicapped and has to face a lot of new challenges. Discover his important message: No matter whether disabled or not – all human beings are equal. Everybody has dreams and ambitions and the right to pursue and live them!

Learning by Ear is available in six languages: English, Kiswahili, French, Hausa, Portuguese and Amharic. It is supported by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office.