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Muchaneta Chimuka-Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE and China continue to maintain bilateral ties and the relations continue to grow through the unwavering humanitarian support that the Asian economic giant is rendering to vulnerable communities.
On Sunday, Mrs Wang Wei, wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, donated goods worth US$2 300 to children with disabilities whose parents are members of the Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association (ZIPHCA) at their offices in Hatfield.
Speaking during the handover, Ms Wang said the gesture was meant to appreciate the role the organisation was playing in championing the rights of the people living with disabilities, especially during this period where Covid-19 has affected people’s livelihoods.
“The Chinese Embassy has been working with ZPHCA for quite a number of years assisting with goodies whenever we feel that there is a need,” she said.
“During this Covid-19 period, we keep on checking on them to make sure that their needs are catered for. Children with disabilities need food, clothing, personal protective equipment to minimise the spread of Covid-19. They are the most vulnerable considering that they always need aid for their mobility, they touch surfaces hence their hands ought to be washed frequently and to wear masks.”
The donated goods included three wheel chairs, mealie-meal, cooking oil, diapers, stationery, sugar and beans.
“I strongly commend the wonderful work you are doing as ZPHCA, creating a platform to promote and protect children’s rights and creating a society in which every child with a disability can enjoy their rights and be equal to each and every child,” said Ms Wang.
She said children with disabilities deserved equal opportunities and hailed the Government for its commitment to support this group of people through the implementation of disability friendly policies.
Programmes coordinator for ZPCA, Mrs Theresa Makwara, said most parents of children with disabilities did not have stable income since they worked in the non-formal sector. Most parents whom we work with are into vending business and some are always idle at home because of the children who need their care 24/7,” she said.
“Some have been divorced after they gave birth to children with disabilities. They are shunned and cursed by societies who do not understand disability, hence there is need for awareness on such issues.
“Some of our children need diapers for life because of the nature of their disabilities, hence we are very grateful to the support that we are getting from our Chinese friends.”
The Chinese government also attaches to strengthening the friendship and cooperation with Zimbabwe in the socio-economic, cultural and political sphere.
The children could not attend the event as a way of minimising crowding in this era of Covid-19, hence their parents will collect the goodies on their behalf.
Online Reporter