Breaking Barriers:
CBM Expands Vision for Disability-Inclusive Development in Central America
CBM
"The deed of love is the sermon that everyone understands." This echoes CBM's unwavering commitment to its mission and the core values on which its work is based.
CBM Christian Blind Mission is making remarkable strides in Central America with the opening of its new office in Guatemala City, in Guatemala. This newly established country office will bring together a team of dedicated professionals, experts, and advocates to deliver projects and services that address the unique needs of persons with disabilities.
Leading the team is Juliana Turqui, CBM Representative for Central America, who emphasized CBM's longstanding presence and unwavering commitment to the region, spanning several decades. With this expansion, CBM is able to actively engage with policy makers, government agencies, and community leaders, advocate for inclusive policies and drive positive change that ensures the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Asfandyar Mandokhail, CBM Regional Program Manager for Asia and the Americas with interpreter Angelica Guerra
CBM
Asfandyar Mandokhail, CBM's Regional Programme Manager for Asia and the Americas reiterated the organisation's dedication to supporting persons with disabilities in some of the world's most challenging communities. Reflecting on CBM's history which dates back to 1908, Mandokhail recalled the words of Ernst J. Christoffel: "The deed of love is the sermon that everyone understands." This echoes CBM's unwavering commitment to its mission and the core values on which its work is based.
CBM's partners, Fundal and PrePace, expressed appreciation for CBM's contributions in the region. Olmedo Zambrano, the Regional Advisor for Central America of the Inclusive Community Based Development Initiative, highlighted the Initiative's tireless efforts to advance the inclusion of persons with disabilities in community-based development programmes. Babar Qureshi, Director of the Inclusive Eye Health Initiative at CBM, then highlighted the organisation's unwavering commitment to ensuring accessible eye health services for all.
The inauguration of CBM's new office in Guatemala is an important milestone in promoting inclusive policies and programmes throughout Central America. CBM remains true to its mission to empower and enrich the lives of persons with disabilities in the region, and pave the way for a future of disability-inclusive development.