Online Reporter
Columbus Mabika-Herald Reporter
SEVEN-year-old Andy Mudavanhu of Stoneridge, Harare South, who is living with a disability, yesterday received a donation that underscored the importance of empowerment and inclusion from the Air Force of Zimbabwe Wings of Empowerment Women’s Association.
WEWA is an association for women soldiers and the wives of serving Air Force of Zimbabwe members. It advocates women’s empowerment through funding projects, expanding maternal healthcare services, providing decent accommodation and increasing women’s participation in decision-making positions.
Andy, whose mother died while giving birth to him, has been living with impaired physical and mental development caused by chronic undernutrition, repeated infections and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. He has been non-verbal and hard of hearing since birth.
A distant aunt, Mrs Nomatter Chihoboya, has cared for Andy since birth, despite having very limited resources to cater for his special needs.
WEWA chairperson Mrs Sibongile Nzvede, wife of Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede, was moved to act after watching a documentary on Andy aired on ZBC Television’s Twice a Mother programme.
WEWA donated a brand-new modern wheelchair, groceries to sustain the family for several months, toiletries, cash and medical supplies.
Handing over the donation, Mrs Nzvede said it would go a long way towards improving Andy’s quality of life.
“The wheelchair restores mobility, creating an opportunity for Andy to live like any other child of his age.
“He can now go to school and play with others,” she said.
“This initiative supports the national vision and mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.”
She reminded the gathering that disability is not a choice and that exclusion undermines society’s values of humanity and dignity.
“No one chooses disability, and no one should be excluded because of it. Every person deserves respect, opportunity and a chance to fulfil their God-given purpose,” she said.
Mrs Nzvede said her organisation was expanding its initiatives to assist persons with disabilities and create income-generating opportunities through a range of activities.
Mrs Chihoboya highlighted the broader impact the donation would have on her daily life as Andy’s caregiver.
“This gesture shows that inclusion is not just a word, but a lived reality. When persons with disabilities are empowered, life becomes easier for guardians such as myself,” she said.
A neighbour, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed gratitude, noting that the wheelchair would ease Mrs Chihoboya’s burden and enable Andy to participate more fully in everyday activities.
“The wheelchair brings us happiness and relieves her of the burden of always carrying Andy on her back. Now she can move around more easily and do other things,” she said.
