Community Engagement Transforms Attitudes in Lote Community
By Monitor B. Ncube
Gwanda:Nkomwa Foundation Trust is implementing a three-month disability inclusion project in Lote Ward 18, Gwanda Rural. The primary objective of this initiative is to build inclusive communities where every voice matters.
Funded by Hivos Southern Africa, the project has brought much-needed interventions to the Gwanda Rural community, ensuring that women and youth with disabilities can fully access vital social services and resources essential for their daily lives. Hivos is an international development organization that contributes towards just, inclusive and life-sustaining societies, where people have equal access to opportunities, rights and resources. Hivos’ approach is solution-driven, and it builds wider movements for change by amplifying and connecting voices.
Historically, persons with disabilities in this community faced marginalisation, largely due to stigma and discrimination from fellow villagers across various sectors. This challenge was openly acknowledged during a community engagement meeting hosted by Nkomwa Foundation Trust at the Lote Ward Centre.
Local leadership, who confirm that community members are increasingly appreciating the concerns raised by persons with disabilities, has warmly received the meetings. Efforts are underway to implement solutions aimed at eliminating barriers that once separated persons with disabilities from the broader community. Notably, persons with disabilities are actively invited to participate and voice their concerns during these meetings.
Tsepang Moyo (54), the Village Head of Major Village, highlighted that an upcoming kraal meeting will deliberately include all persons with disabilities within his jurisdiction. This gathering aims to further sensitize the community on disability inclusion, reinforcing messages shared during the recent meeting. He also noted that disability inclusion topics will be integrated into the Ward Development Committee (SDC) meetings to ensure the message reaches the entire ward and promotes lasting behavioural change.
The previous community engagement sessions by Nkomwa Foundation Trust have catalyzed a remarkable shift towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities across all sectors in the ward. Tsepang shared that in Kwete Line, under Major Village, the community initiated a project to construct public toilets at the proposed village centre. They have molded bricks and, with guidance from the local Environmental Health Technician, identified sites for the facilities. Importantly, these structures will be disability-friendly, featuring ramps and adequate space for wheelchair access. As Tsepang expressed, “Lapha sesizelwe ngokutsha akusekho kubandlululwa kwabantu abakhubazekileyo” — “This community is now transformed; no more discrimination against persons with disabilities.”
Tsepang Moyo (54), Village Head of Major Village
The community now actively includes persons with disabilities during the planning phase of development projects, ensuring no one is left behind. Many persons with disabilities are vocal advocates for their recognition and rights. Tsepang emphasized that this programme belongs to the people of Lote, not just Nkomwa Foundation Trust. He expressed hope that disability inclusion efforts will continue beyond the project’s lifespan, as the community has gained knowledge and commitment to sustaining the advocacy and inclusivity promoted by Nkomwa Foundation Trust