Disability sensitisation awareness stretches to Nkashe community
Disability sensitisation awareness stretches to Nkashe community
May 22, 2023
Liberty Mutamba
Choice News Africa
Gwanda: National Aids Council in partnership with Matabeleland based Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT) have joined hands in working round the clock to uplift the status quo of people with disability in marginalized communities across the rainbow province, this time landing in Nkashe area of Gwanda.
Nkashe Community workshop participants. Choice News Africa
Driving past Brethren in Christ Church Nkashe branch recently realised melodious voices echoed from the building, songs that caught one’s ear and could tell that the service was on fire. Unfortunately it was not a church service, it was a forum of NFT and community members of Nkashe community who converged for a disability sensitisation workshop/meeting.
Serious business during the awareness workshop at Nkashe. Choice News Africa
The Nkashe community in Gwanda rural ward, was recently capacitated on disability issues, disability mainstreaming, disability terminology and parenting. More than 100 villagers participated in the meeting inclusive of community leaders, persons with disabilities, caregivers, government officials and other development partners’ representatives.
For several years people with disabilities have been infringed of their rights to education, health facilities and called by demeaning names. Speaking during the interactive sensitization, community members shared their touching experiences that they endure in all walks of their life.
“I did not acquire all the education facilities because of my physical disability and education career ended when I lost my mother. No one bothered to assist me,” said Siduduzile Ndlovu.
Matshetsheni kraal head Mr Zephaniah Ndlovu said people with disability (PWDs) are also still being excluded in our society and deemed asexual not fit for marriage.
“In my strides of life, I have realized that persons with disabilities face a serious challenge to secure marriage because of the ignorance and uncivilized mind-set that the community have. As village head I presided over countless disputes where PWDs are infringed of their education, health rights, and the issue of statelessness.
I am thankful to NFT for opening our minds with their capacitation on disability issues. I believe there will be changes.” Added the village head.
Ward 1 Councillor, Stanford Nkala said his jurisdiction was overwhelmed with a number of persons with disabilities and he had nowhere to refer them to, and was grateful to the visit by NFT and National AIDS Council, as he christened it opening of doors.
“We have been knocking several doors for our colleagues to get assistance but all went up in smoke, the coming of NFT is a blessing to our community. The knowledge imparted to us is a treasure.” Cllr Nkala alluded.
Nkomwa Foundation Trust Director Mr Pick Nkomwa said an equal world can be achieved through togetherness.
“We are in pursuance to ensure every community is put under one roof through these sensitisation campaigns across the Rainbow Province and beyond. Much appreciation to all participants, the community leaders and our partners for making this programme a success. We want to ensure we have an inclusive environment from grassroots level. We are diversifying programmes to ensure that every community is covered,” concluded Nkomwa.