Social networking for parents and caregivers of persons with disability
April 5, 2023
Nontobeko Sibanda
Choice News Africa
Gwanda – Matabeleland South basedNkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT), recently convened a disability parenting workshop for both parents and caregivers of persons with disabilities in effort to make them share the experiences and social networking.
NFT’s successful social networking workshop for parents and caregivers. Pic Choice News Africa
The workshop was a great success as an estimate of forty (40) parents attended. The patents had the opportunity to learn basic sign language as it was facilitated by their speech impaired children. The experience was an exciting moment, as it was conducted on a relaxed environment.
The meeting saw parents fully opening up freely expressing the challenges they encountered in bringing up their children and measures they employed to overcome the obstacles.
In his opening remarks, Norman Mudadisi, the Advocacy Officer for NFT, read the speech from the director of the organisation, amid applause.
‘The entire NFT secretariat team is so happy to be part of this wonderful event. Truly you have shown us that you love and support this organisation. Myself and entire team we are your servants. May you please all take this social networking and learning platform seriously? Problem shared is problem halved” Said Mudadisi.
Parents had the opportunity to share their experiences and encouraged each other as they share similar circumstances.
Mr Qhawelesizwe Ndlovu applauded the care givers for attending, and he also said they should embrace the workshops facilitated by NFT and take them as a blessing.
“For us to be able to render proper care to our children we have to learn to accept their condition and show them love as they are like any other children who live in the society. Our children with disabilities are from God, there is no need to complain and ask God why did he give you them but rather work on how to improve their lives to be better,” said Qhawelesizwe Ndlovu.
One of the parents, at the workshop, NaSandile encouraged people to always have courage. “Never lose hope towards taking good care of your children with disabilities, despite the societal views.” said NaSandile.
Mrs Sikhangezile Ndlovu said it is a blessing to have children with disabilities.
“Parents never feel like you are cursed by having a child with disability, but accept it as a gift from God and treat them like any other children. Let us send them to schools and give them opportunities like any other children in the society,” added Sikhangezile Ndlovu.
Mrs Catherine Ndlovu also exhilarated parents who have children with disabilities to attend support groups.
” Parents who have children with disabilities I inspire you all to partake on support groups where you can interact with other parents who are in the same situation like yours, which can give you strength to keep you going, because alone it is hard,” said Kathrine Ndlovu.
NFT Advocacy Officer Norman Mudadisi thanked the parents for their participation.
“As Nkomwa Foundation Trust we are grateful for the participation that you showed as parents, our arms are always wide to welcome you and ready to work with you all in ensuring that children with disabilities are given an enabling environment like anyone else,” concluded Norman Mudadisi.
