KUCHING, Feb 15: Mind Brew, Mental Health Association of Sarawak (MHAS), and Âûtsome Kuching will be hosting the first Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Advocacy Training on Feb 18, 2023 at the Kuching Community Social Support Centre (CSSC).
According to a media release, the training is aimed at equipping advocates with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively engage policymakers and legislators, with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities.
The primary modality of the training will be a six-hour workshop based on the IdolaDemokrasi Gameshop model formulated by the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR).
The workshop is divided into five modules, with an emphasis on group work. Participants will be introduced to human rights and basic disability concepts, critical thinking and conflict resolution, CRPD-informed advocacy, the Movement Action Plan, and the four Roles of Social Activism.
Hasbeemasputra Abu Bakar, the trainer for the workshop, is a seasoned human rights advocate with over a decade of experience working in the field. He has contributed to MCCHR’s Activating Malaysians – DIY Toolkit designed their IdolaDemokrasi workshop and has been invited to deliver advocacy rights workshops at the national and international levels.
He is also the founder of Rangkaian Solidariti Demokratik Pesakit Mental (SIUMAN), a collective of lived experience advocates pushing for the inclusion of the disabled in governance.
MHAS spokesperson Laura Kho said that advocacy is crucial in ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected and upheld.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Mind Brew and Âûtsome Kch on this important initiative. With this training, we hope to empower individuals to become effective advocates for their communities and create meaningful change,” she said in the statement today.
The workshop will focus on disability and related topics, but the skills learned can be applied to any context. The workshop is open to anyone who is passionate about disability rights, no prior advocacy experience is required.
Mind BMHAS and Âûtsome Kch are now opening invitations to anyone with an interest in disability and human rights advocacy to join in this exciting training opportunity. Space is limited, register now via Instagram @autsomekch or contact the organisers at crpd.sarawak@gmail.com or 082-231459. — DayakDaily
