Nkomwa Foundation Trust humbly empowering disability communities
By Pick Nkomwa
Founding Executive Director
There is always hope in every circumstance of life. No one is a total cast-off of life as long as opportunities are afforded equally in a given society. No one cannot imagine how God uses his vessels to change the course of life of other people.
This cannot be said without mentioning the impact and transformation brought by Nkomwa Foundation Trust to youths with disabilities in and around Gwanda Community. It is more of a dream as some youths have now set their foot in the City of kings for the first time after 20 or 25 years of age.
Nkomwa Foundation Trust has currently managed to educate 15 youths with disabilities, by enrolling them at Jairos Jiri Association Vocational Training Centre for skills empowerment.
These youths have various disabilities which include the hearing impairment, physically challenged, albinism and visually impairment. These youths were drawn from the following rural wards: ward 3, 16,17,18,20 and Gwanda urban wards.
These disabled youths are pursuing their studies in horticulture, carpentry, hairdressing, cosmetology, welding, metal fabrication, secretarial studies and clothing technology. So far the students are at a better position than they were before.
“I am happy and thankful to Nkomwa Foundation Trust for affording us this opportunity to acquire life skills. We were not regarded as normal human beings in our society. There was no hope in my life after completing my grade seven studies. Now I am able to produce some products that people can buy. It’s like a dream but it is the reality,” said Kgotsofalo Ndlovu.
Another student Gracious Mangwiro, applauded NFT for the life transformation. “I was home after completing my ordinary level. As a person with visual impairment, I thought my life will end there. I never knew I can be somebody in life. My life changed when I met NFT team and they facilitated my enrolment at Jairos Jiri training Centre.
I am now able to use the computer and my secretarial studies are progressing well. Thank you NFT team in particular our leader Mr Pick Nkomwa, I am visually challenged, but his work speaks volume to us.” Said Gracious Mangwiro.
Life skills programme and economic empowerment is one of our key mandate in our area of operation. Lip service is no longer applicable in this 21st century. Indeed we are supporting 15 youths at Jairos Jiri Training Centre from Gwanda community and more will joining the team. I hope this intervention will transform their lives. Our mission is for these youths to have independent lives in the future.
Further, I need to acknowledge the support from the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Health and Childcare, Ministry of Labour and Social Development Services. These ministries are playing a pivotal role in ensuring all these successes. The impact is a collective effort as NFT compliments Government’s efforts in uplifting and supporting PWDS in our societies. Our hand and glove relationship is bearing the much needed fruits.
Meanwhile the Nkomwa foundation trust is busy conducting disability awareness meetings in Gwanda villages. The covered wards include ward 11, 13,16,17,18 and more awareness campaigns are on the cards. There is a lot to be done as far as disability sensitization is concerned.
The organisation appeals to partners and the business world for support on mass campaigns in both urban and rural communities. If PWDS are afforded the opportunity, they can contribute immensely to the country’s economy.