adminJoel Tsvakwi, Sunday News Correspondent
MORE often than not, Foundations are charity based organisations that are designed to assist the needy, but rarely do you find someone at the age of 22 running such a viable organisation.
Not only is he young, but has little capacity to be doing such an amazing big job that is dear to him as he works industriously that he fulfils his dream and passion. So strong has been his passion that he has overlooked everything else that usually keeps those of his age preoccupied.
Sunday News caught up with Nqobani Masuku, whose organisation is named after him.
“Nqobani Masuku Foundation was founded in 2013, with the aim of helping vulnerable citizens in the greater Bulawayo region. I was inspired by the need in the society. That is the greatest inspiration, after realising that society is in need of a selfless hero it was then that I offered myself to be the candidate.
“My foundation targets groups with different impairments and vulnerable members of our society; orphans, single mothers and old people,” he said.
The closure of industries in Bulawayo led to massive migration of male population to neighbouring countries mostly to South Africa, leaving children under custody of their unemployed mothers and grandmothers. Most of these migrants fail to support their families due to little income they earn in the diaspora hence the foundation intends to support these vulnerable children.
Member of Parliament for Makokoba, Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube is on record praising such initiatives especially from the youth.
“Surely as a society we are bound to do something in order to promote unity, equality and fight discrimination. I am very much elated by what the foundation is doing. This will in a long way reduce idleness in communities if young people commit themselves to help others,” he said.
Masuku said their project was also informed by a study they carried out in 2013 which sought to find out the number of vulnerable children and the physically challenged.
“Following the study the foundation undertook, statistics revealed that three children out of 10 children do not go to school due to fees shortages, two out of 10 lack proper accommodation, two out of 10 mothers are employed, five out of 10 single mothers get average meals to feed their children and five out of 10 can manage to dress these fatherless children.
“Among the disabled the foundation realised that, those wheelchair bound, seven out of 10 use old wheelchairs which are not user friendly and six out of 10 visually impaired (blind) use proper walking canes /sticks. We realised that five out of 10 have crutches which are user friendly,” he said.
Masuku said to date, the foundation has extended its support to the needy in Kezi, Lupane, Tsholotsho, Filabusi and Gwanda, among others.
“We have worked with over 21 schools in Bulawayo and over 10 schools outside the city distributing stationery, uniforms and over 500 pupils have benefited.
“We have not only given them material support but awareness programmes on sexual health, disability through the assistance of trained counsellors, psychologists who are part of our organisation.”@joelTsvakwi
Online Reporter