Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
Midlands Bureau
For many mothers, love is measured not only in affection, but in sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their children’s wellbeing.
For mothers raising children with disabilities, each day often brings unique challenges – from navigating healthcare systems and financial strain to confronting stigma and emotional exhaustion.
Yet behind these struggles are powerful stories of courage, patience, and unconditional love. These women become caregivers, advocates, teachers, and protectors, carrying the weight of their children’s dreams, while fighting for a society that is more inclusive and understanding.
These selfless individuals wake up every morning, ready to face another day of challenges and triumphs, often without a whisper of recognition.
Bathing, dressing, and feeding are not just tasks for these caregivers – they are a labour of love.
They navigate physical and emotional exhaustion, yet find strength in the smiles of their children.
From managing tantrums to administering medication, every day is a balancing act. Despite these struggles, they beam with pride, knowing they are providing a safe haven for their loved ones.
Many of these mothers are the sole breadwinners, juggling caregiving with meagre incomes. They sacrifice personal ambitions, social lives, and even their own health to ensure their children’s well-being.
Financial struggles are a constant companion, but they refuse to give up.
Their resilience inspires awe, as they conjure meals from thin air and turn worn-out clothes into makeshift comfort blankets.
Behind closed doors, these mothers often struggle in silence, grappling with feelings of isolation and frustration.
Societal stigma and discriminatory attitudes can be overwhelming, but they refuse to let it define them or their children. Instead, they forge ahead, armed with love, patience, and an unyielding commitment to their children’s happiness.
Ms Nyarai Moyo from Mkoba 14 suburb in Gweru is one of these mothers who give of themselves wholeheartedly, on a daily basis.
Her son, Atiwell Tariro Takavada has cerebral palsy.
“He is 12-years-old and attends Mudavanhu Zimcare Trust, a school for children with special needs located in Mkoba 11 in Gweru. He is a day scholar,” said Ms Moyo.
She said Atiwell is bathed, fed, clothed and has to be carried onto his wheelchair. He uses various incontinence aids including adult diapers.
“I then push him in his wheelchair to the bus stop where I assist him to board the school bus every morning,” said Ms Moyo.
“I’m unemployed, so I go around the villages looking for menial work to raise money. I usually get my duties done before 1PM so that I can go to the bus stop to collect my son from school.”
Ms Moyo said as a result of his condition, Atiwell will need a caregiver for life.
She narrated how coping with a child with a disability is demanding in terms of following specific diets and care needs.
“He has to adhere to a light diet, so I have to try and buy him the food he needs and also provide diapers. It is very hard as the costs for these things are expensive and beyond my reach. Atiwell also needs a permanent home and US$250 to get through each month,” she said.
Ms Moyo said she does not own a home and is forced to hop from one lodging to the other as property owners respond negatively to her son’s disability.
“We usually spend an average of three months at each house because they think disability is contagious and that their children will be affected,” she said.
Ms Talent Chibvuri, the mother of Ruvarashe Marechera (18) who has a learning disability shares a similar story.
Ms Chibvuri said they are living from hand-to-mouth as she earns very little from selling sweets, perfumes, and other small items.
Ruvarashe also goes to Mudavanhu Zimcare Trust School.
“Ruva has a learning disability, so academically we have ruled out that she will benefit from skills training. She used to attend a local mainstream school, and we were hoping that she would be able to read and write, but we later realised that she needed to attend a special school, which was facilitated by the Department of Psychological Services in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education,” she said.
Ms Chibvuri said the school expenses are covered by BEAM, although the support is inconsistent, which has resulted in her having to cover some of Ruvarashe’s school expenses for the past three years.
“Ruva is now 18 and come this December, she will be exiting primary school. She is supposed to attend a workshop, but the parent is required to pay a full amount of up to US$2 000 per term, which I can’t afford. As a result, she will end up staying at home,” she said.
Ms Chibvuri said it is very difficult to look after Ruvarashe who has many special needs, from food to skin care.
“Having a child with a disability requires a lot of patience, and accepting the child as they are because their behaviour requires constant supervision to prevent them from getting hurt. Discrimination is very high from families and the community,” she said.
Ms Chibvuri highlighted that misconceptions surrounding disability are rife, with many believing that caring for a child with a disability is a curse or punishment, consequently isolating these children from their peers.
She expressed her desire for Government-funded schools tailored to support children with disabilities, as well as grants to aid in their care. Additionally, she stressed the need for suitable housing, allowing families to live comfortably with their children.
“We face difficulties of renting with a child with a disability mainly due to landlords’ lack of understanding and tendency to inflict physical and emotional abuse,” she said.
Senator representing people living with disabilities, Annah Shiri said mothers such as Ms Chibvuri and Ms Moyo must be celebrated as they are the backbone of their families.
“There is a need to advocate for children’s rights, navigate complex systems, and fight for their inclusion in society,” she said.
Senator Shiri added that their courage and determination are a beacon of hope, illuminating a path towards a more compassionate society.
“As we honour these heroes, let us acknowledge the profound impact they have had on their children’s lives.
“They are showing the world what it means to love without condition, to give without expectation, and to care without limits. Their love is a legacy that will inspire generations to come. Thank you, dear mothers and guardians, for being the unsung heroes of our time,” she said.
