Beit-bridge disability community honoured
Beit-bridge disability community honoured
May 1, 2023
Nontobeko Sibanda
Choice News Africa
Beitbridge – The recent partnership between Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT) and Bible Society of Zimbabwe (BSZ) in providing the customized assistive technologies to persons with disabilities, has empowered the community collectively.
Disability inclusive champion at work during a Beit-Bridge outreach. Choice News Africa
A total of thirty –five (35) persons with disabilities benefited from the programme. Assistive devices provided included 15 wheelchairs, two tricycles, six walking sticks, two white cane, seven pairs of crutches, three sitting units, one commode and one walker with wheels with an estimated cost of US$10 000.
Beitbridge district is the fourth area of the Matabeleland South Province to benefit from the initiatives of the two organisations. Other districts that include Bulilima, Mangwe and Gwanda have benefited from the same programmes in the past years.
In November 2022, the two organisations facilitated capacitation workshops for persons with disabilities and caregivers on detergent making in Beitbridge district ward 10.
During the trainings assessment was done to all persons with disabilities who attended for the manufacturing of customized assistive devices.
Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT) is an organization that advocates for the rights of Persons with Disabilities in Matabeleland South Province and beyond. The rights include the right to have an assistive device for effective participation of an individual in community development. In their activities, NFT engages like-minded organisations, like Bible Society of Zimbabwe (BSZ) as resource partners in serving the disability community in the region.
During the presentation, the atmosphere of joy filled the beneficiaries, as they expressed their gratitude for the opportunity.
Simelinkosi Mbedzi who receive a white cane expressed his appreciation. “I am so happy to receive without paying a single cent. As a person with visual impairment, this device is vital in my daily living. I was currently using a wooden stick and this will enable my being and it’s portable,” he said.
A caregiver to Prudence Zulu identified as Sibusisiwe Tlou could not hold her tears of joy, after receiving the most needed assistance.
“It’s like a dream today, I can’t believe this. I used to carry my niece using a wheelbarrow or to my back going to hospital, field or attending community meetings. My great thanks for this wheelchair, I am now going to rest carrying a 15 year old niece at my back when travelling, and this wll go a long way in helping us as a family. I am very grateful,” Moyo said.
The 93 year old granny Elizabeth Muzhambi who received a wheelchair and a commode had just few words as she appreciate. “I now have my car, please give me my bag I need to go to Makhado and buy what I want. Thank you my children and God bless.” Added Gogo Muzhambi.
Ward 10 Councillor Edward Ndlovu, expressed his appreciation for the gesture to his area.
“I am happy with this event, as it happens in my ward. I worked with NFT last year in November 2022. After the training, they promised to come back with assistive devices. I never believed but my concerns are no longer there as the team fulfilled their promise. My people have benefitted and this is a commendable work by these organizations.” Said the community leader.
NFT Director Mr Pick Nkomwa could not hide his joy for the successful programme.
“Many thanks to Beitbridge leadership for permitting us to carry out this programme in the district, I am glad we managed to put some smiles to 35 souls.
Assistive devices are critical to persons with disabilities. They enable people to live healthy, productive, independent and dignified lives as well as to participate in education, labour market and civic life. Much thanks to our partner Bible society of Zimbabwe for helping us achieving this dream in this region.
There are some gaps as what we provided is just a drop. Quite significant number of persons with disabilities are in need of assistive devices. I call upon all development partners to have a disability budget in their programme implementation.
Those mainstreaming disability associations, I recommend that their assessment or survey is essential before imposing a programme to the disability community. Involvement and consultation is imperative, collectively, because we can achieve an inclusive world.” Concluded Nkomwa
