Matabeleland South’s Mzimuni community throng disability sensitization workshop
Matabeleland South’s Mzimuni community throng disability sensitization workshop
September 16, 2022
Promise Dube
Choice News Africa
Gwanda – Hundreds of villagers from Matabeleland South’s Mzimuni community recently thronged Nkomwa Foundation Trust’s educational awareness training workshop on disability rights.
The workshop was a great opportunity for villagers, who applauded it as an eye opener session. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRP), disability is an evolving concept which results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers.
The charter recognizes persons with disabilities, as those persons who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, in interaction with various barriers that hinder their full participation in society on an equal basis with others.
People with disabilities encounter various barriers that hamper them from releasing their potential. Majority of children with disabilities are still hidden in homes due to discrimination and non-acceptance by the community.
Not only do people with disabilities encounter challenges, the caregivers/parents also encounter so many challenges as they find it difficult to handle the situation. Further information deficit affects many people.
Disability comes at any time and no one would have the knowledge on parenting hence many families get stress and depression.
Nkomwa Foundation Trust came at the right time as it expand the work to all wards in Gwanda district. The NFT Programmes and Communications Officer Miss Monitor Ncube introduced the organisation activities to the villagers and there was an overwhelming response from the community leaders and general members.
“I am pleased to be here with NFT team to meet the community leadership and entire members. Through referrals, six parents of children with disability were capacitated on income generating projects. We assisted two children with assistive devices and we facilitated the enrolment of two young people for vocational training Centre.
We appreciate the invite to this meeting. Disability is not a new animal in our midst, it has been there since time immemorial. Let’s accept the diversity. I urge all members of the community to see the person first before disability. All people have rights, as much as you claim your rights, PWDs likewise have the same rights. Every member of the society has an obligation to protect and support people with disabilities,” added Ncube.
The Advocacy Officer for NFT, Norman Mudadisi had the opportunity to unpack the National Disability Policy provisions to the villagers. National Disability Policy was adopted in June 2021 by the Zimbabwe government.
The purpose of the National Disability policy is to guide the state, all institutions, agencies of government, development partners and all sectors at every level in formulating and supporting the implementation of laws, policies, intervention strategies that lead to fulfilling, promoting, protecting and respecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe.
Mudadisi also added that, Gender based violence was also a topical issue presented, during the workshop.
“Children have the right to protection from any form of physical or mental violence, exploitation, negligence or abuse,” added Mudadisi.
The Ward 3 Councillor Limukani Nyoni could not hide his joy, as he addressed the participants. “I am so happy and grateful to have this knowledge being imparted to the local leadership and villagers. I am thankful to Nkomwa Foundation Trust for sharing this information. Knowledge is power,” concluded Councillor Nyoni.