About us

Empowering Abilities. Transforming Lives.

Disability Initiative for Counselling and Development (DICD) Inclusive College is an inclusion-focused learning and support institution under FEMO Special Needs Trust (FSNT), a registered non-profit in Malawi.

FSNT-affiliated Inclusive education Disability empowerment
DICD participants gathered in a classroom setting

Who We Are

We believe everyone deserves equal access to quality education and opportunities, regardless of ability or background. DICD exists to open practical pathways for communication, independence, inclusion, and livelihood creation.

DICD exists to open practical pathways for communication, independence, inclusive learning, and livelihood creation for persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities.

Why DICD is Necessary

DICD responds to persistent barriers faced by learners and families: communication barriers for Deaf learners, limited accessible learning materials for blind and low-vision learners, stigma, a shortage of inclusive teaching skills, reduced access to early intervention, and limited employment-linked training opportunities.

  • Communication inclusion for Deaf learners
  • Accessible materials for blind and low-vision learners
  • Early intervention and autism-informed support
  • Inclusive educator capacity building
  • Employment-linked skills and self-reliance
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Vision

To be a leading institution in the provision of inclusive education and empowerment services for persons with disabilities—enhancing self-reliance, business opportunity, employment access, and communication through inclusive education.

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Mission

To empower persons with disabilities and the vulnerable by creating job opportunities, promoting inclusive education, training in sign language and Braille, and enhancing self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

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Core Values

  • Inclusion
  • Empowerment
  • Community
  • Dignity
  • Accessibility

Organizational structure

Governance and operations at a glance

Patron / Board Oversight
FSNT governance and accountability
Director
College leadership, programme strategy, and partnerships
Operations
Daily administration, enrolment, logistics, and student support
Secretary + Accountant
Records, finance, compliance, and reporting
Instructors & Therapists
Teaching, mentorship, assessment, therapy, and learner care
Learners writing in a classroom
Inclusive classrooms

Practical educator support and learner-centred participation.

Caregiving and support at DICD
Early support

Family-centred care, inclusion, and developmental support.

Training Centres & SDG Alignment

  • Blantyre Training Centre
  • Dowa (Dzaleka) Centre
  • Rumphi Training Centre
  • SDG 4: Quality education for all learners
  • SDG 8: Skills, self-reliance, and employment pathways
  • SDG 10: Reduced inequalities and disability inclusion
  • SDG 17: Partnerships with communities, NGOs, donors, and government