The Local Enterprises & Skills Development Program (LESDEP) hopes to train about 5,000 physically challenged in entrepreneurial skills throughout the country by the end of this year. Mr Adem Gariba, National Coordinator of LESDEP disclosed this Thursday when 150 physically challenged who underwent training in eight different programmes in the Greater Accra Region were graduated and presented with startup-kits and equipment. The beneficiaries were trained in ICT, Fashion, Beauty Care, Transport, Décor Management, Photography and Mobile Phone Repairs. They were provided with equipment such as computer and mobile phone repair kits, hand sewing and embroidery machines, ovens and multi-purpose tricycles. Already, over 100 persons with disabilities have been trained in various entrepreneurial skills in the Volta Region. Mr Adem Gariba appealed to beneficiaries to show commitment in what they do to enable them succeed in the competitive market. He assured them that the Business Development Unit under LESDEP would pay occasional visits to their work places to assess how they are progressing and also help to address their challenges. He deplored the situation where so-called able persons in society downplay on the potentials of persons with disabilities to be self-reliance. However, he noted, the perception has been given credence due to the behavior of some physically challenged persons who beg for alms on the streets. Mr Gariba said the phenomenon would soon be a thing of the past, announcing that LESDEP would soon embark on a nationwide crusade to get these beggars off the streets and equip them with skills to make living for themselves.