Jairos Jiri memorial marked with graduation of persons with disabilities
Jairos Jiri memorial marked with graduation of persons with disabilities
November 28, 2023
Choice News Africa Correspondent
Bulawayo – The recent memorial service for the late founder of a disability home and vocational training centre was thronged by sixty (60) persons with disabilities who graduated at Jairos Jiri in Bulawayo.
The colourful occasion was held concurrently with the honouring of the life history of founder Jairos Jiri commemoration day.
Nkomwa Foundation Trust graduates celebrating their success. Pic Chris Tabvura
The graduates accomplished their two year training programme in the following disciplines: agriculture, carpentry, cosmetology, catering, welding and secretarial services. The celebrations were graced by Senator Molly Mpofu who was the guest of honour.
The founder Jiri registered this institution in 1950, as the first black philanthropist to take care of persons with disabilities.
He set up centres across the country not just to get home and food but were rehabilitating and empowering person with disabilities to be self-reliant, despite the harsh realities of the environment they lived.
His legacy has withstood Zimbabwe’s socio-economic challenges, as millions of persons with disabilities have also established their businesses, marking the continuation of the impact on generations.
Among the graduates were 12 students under the banner of Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT), a Matabeleland South organisation for persons with disabilities.
The students were drawn from different communities across Gwanda district. Five students received awards as best students in Agriculture.
Tatenda Gapare, in Secretarial services, Gracious Mangwiro sporting, Aphefania Ncube, life skills, Proud Dube as well behaved and Brightness Makhitha, earning NFT the honour.
Speaking at the event, The Guest of Honour, Honourable Senator Molly Mpofu applauded the graduates for the achievement.
“Today we are gathered to celebrate the life of a great philanthropist whose work still live in our generation. The executive committee and management should preserve and maintain this legacy. To the graduates, I say congratulations for this achievement.You have proved to the society that you are capable of doing something in life.”
She further urged the society to embrace these graduates and provide the opportunities to them. “As the government of Zimbabwe will continue supporting persons with disabilities in various government programmes, I request Bulawayo leadership and business community not to shun this centre as it rehabilitate and empower the special group in our country,” said Mpofu.
Pick Nkomwa, Director for Nkomwa Foundation Trust also weighed in as he celebrates with his children from his institution who were among the 60 graduates.
“I am very thrilled and humbled to be part of this important event. My dream has come true. Congratulation to all the NFT graduates. I humbly request the business world to embrace these young persons. I am thankful to the Government of Zimbabwe and other organisations for the continued support in our empowerment programme.” He added.
