The National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) has commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by visiting the Erick Memorial Children’s Centre in Morogoro, offering support and raising awareness on environmental conservation.
A team of NEMC staff participating in the 2025 SHIMMUTA Games visited the centre on December 4, where they delivered food supplies, hygiene products and shared environmental education with children and caregivers.
The gesture formed part of global commemorations held every year on December 3 to recognise and promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General, NEMC’s Senior Human Resource Officer, Shukrani Haule, said the Council remains committed to working with all groups to ensure a clean, safe and inclusive environment for every citizen.
She noted that the needs of persons with disabilities continue to be integrated into NEMC’s environmental management plans and community outreach activities.
“The Council works with all people in carrying out its responsibilities, and this group of persons with disabilities has always been considered in all our planning,” Haule said.
Erick Memorial Centre Executive, Robert Mkalawa, welcomed the support and appealed to more public institutions to recognise the importance of marking the day and promoting inclusion.
He said NEMC’s visit underscores the principle that environmental protection is inseparable from the well-being of all people.
“We are grateful for this visit from an institution responsible for environmental management. It shows that there is no environment without people and that we are all part of it without discrimination. I urge other government institutions to follow NEMC’s example in observing this day,” Mkalawa said.
NEMC Sports Chairperson, Fortinatus Patrick, said the outreach aligns with the message emphasised by Director General Dr. Immaculate Sware Semesi, who has called for more inclusive environmental initiatives that empower persons with disabilities to engage in conservation efforts.
He said the visit is part of ongoing efforts to create enabling environments and ensure that communities with disabilities are fully included in national environmental protection actions.