Turkey supports disabled in Djibouti

By Nazli Yuzbasioglu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's state-run aid agency has distributed a total of 200 wheelchairs and vocational supplies to disabled people in the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti, according to a statement on Monday.

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) launched its "End the Barriers" project in collaboration with Djibouti's National Agency for the Disabled, providing equipment to disabled people in line with their level of disability.

The statement added that TIKA supplied vocational tools and a motorbike to Omar Ibrahim, an engine repairman who lost his right leg in a train accident at age 9.

Ibrahim said that he met TIKA officials in June when he was getting food aid through a program organized by TIKA in collaboration with the Djibouti Ministry of Social Affairs.

He said the donated equipment was critically important for him especially at a time when he could not get necessary tools due to financial woes.

TIKA and the Turkish Embassy in Djibouti also helped renovate Ibrahim's repair shop.

"Thanks to Turkey and TIKA, I will be able to peacefully move on with my life," he said.

Speaking at the delivery ceremony of the equipment, Doubleh Said Mohammoud, the head of Djibouti's National Disability Agency, said 200 disabled people can now meet their basic daily needs and more easily integrate into working life.

Established in 1992, Turkey's government-run aid agency is responsible for implementing the country's developmental cooperation policies overseas.

* Writing by Aysu Bicer