Disability capacitation activities now in Beit Bridge communities
Disability capacitation activities now in Beit Bridge communities
November 23, 2022
Nontobeko Sibanda
Choice News Africa
Beitbridge – Matabeleland basednon-profit making organisation,Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT) partnered with Bible Society of Zimbabwe (BSZ) in conducting disability sensitisation and economic strengthening to People with Disabilities, caregivers and community leaders in Zezani and Driehok communities.
The awareness programme was an eye opener to the participants, as a total of 190 participants in two communities were capacitated in disability mainstreaming, inclusion, disability models, terminology, rights and disability legal framework.
The participants included traditional leaders, Councillors, non-governmental organisations representatives and government officers operating at ward level.
Forty six participants inclusive of people with disabilities and caregivers received training on detergents making and each participant received 20 litres of sunlight liquid for use, selling and an additional pack of ingredients for future use.
The two schools and community members received gift from both partners which comprises of bibles, hand sanitizers, clothing, and skin care lotions that were distributed to people with albinism, disability books and pamphlets were also distributed.
A total of 30 people with disabilities were assessed to benefit on crutches, wheelchairs, walking sticks and also further assessment of children with disabilities who are not attending school was carried out by Educational Psychologist.
Senior village head of Driehok community expressed gratitude towards Nkomwa Foundation Trust and partners for the enlightenment on disability issues.
“I would like to express my gratitude towards Nkomwa Foundation Trust and partners for powerful disability education. As a community we have been failing to treat people with disabilities like any other person and I believe with this education there is going to be a great change in our community.” said Castro Moyo.
The Zezani community Ward 10 Councillor, Edward Ndlovu shared the same sentiments and requested such awareness to be continuously done in his ward.
The Bible Society of Zimbabwe Acting Programmes Manager, Reverend Gwinyai Ndembera applauded the work being done by their partner NFT.
“The programme was a success and the presence of Councillors and Village Heads is a sign of great endorsement. The inclusivity drive still has to reach the inaccessible parts of Zimbabwe,” Said Ndembera.
The Founding Director of NFT, Pick Nkomwa, appreciated the activities being done in partnership with and others and wished everyone well.
“I am so humbled by the support from the local leadership and government arms in NFT programmes. There was an overwhelming response from villagers. Despite the highest level of stigmatisation and discrimination of PWDs in communities, I believe these engagements and interventions will change the narrative of PWDs,” concluded NFT Director Pick Nkomwa.
