Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo, [email protected]
FOR 12 years, Ms Lindiwe Ncube (54) of Gulati Village has lived with paralysis — a disability that severely affected her mobility. However, a timely donation of crutches from the Albino Trust of Zimbabwe has transformed her life.
Ms Ncube said she sustained her injury while returning home from work at night, falling onto the foundation of a building under construction, which led to her paralysis.
“These new crutches are a game changer for me. They will help me walk properly. As someone who earns a living by selling goods, I believe they will go a long way in improving my mobility,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Ms Sibongile Moyo of Gwangazile Village, who suffers from poor eyesight, expressed her gratitude to the organisation after receiving a pair of glasses to aid her vision.
“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to this organisation for gifting me these life-changing glasses. I can now see clearly and operate my mobile phone without asking my children for help,” she said.
The handover ceremony took place recently in Khumalo Communal Land at Chief Nkulumane Masuku’s homestead, where over 100 elderly villagers in Matobo District received various assistive devices, including walking sticks, glasses, and crutches, courtesy of the Albino Trust of Zimbabwe.
Chief Masuku highlighted the challenges faced by elderly residents, noting that many grew up in rural areas without formal employment and therefore have no pension.
“Some have no children to care for them, leaving them without a steady source of income. Additionally, individuals with disabilities often receive little to no assistance. These contributions go a long way in addressing the needs of those requiring support, and we appreciate the positive impact they have on their lives,” he said.
Albino Trust of Zimbabwe is an organisation that advocates for the rights of people with albinism and the broader disability community, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs met. The organisation has visited various communities across Zimbabwe, distributing free equipment to those in need.
Programme facilitator Ms Natalie Changara said the team visited Matobo Village after identifying a number of disabled individuals lacking resources.
“There are visually impaired people, those with hearing impairments, and others with various disabilities. We felt compelled to help the community by providing equipment such as walking sticks, glasses, and crutches.
“We came here with the aim of supporting elderly individuals and those in need. Our goal was to donate essential items that would improve their quality of life and offer them a better way of living,” she said.
Ms Changara said that to assist disabled people in rural areas, the organisation has partnered with several international and local bodies, including the National Aids Council (NAC).
“We also had the privilege of attending the Disability Expo, which was a resounding success for our team. It was incredibly fulfilling to provide assistance and support to individuals with disabilities, addressing their specific needs and enhancing their quality of life,” she said.
Albino Trust of Zimbabwe partnered with Cacile Trust, an organisation that identifies villages in need and invites affected individuals to come forward. Cacile Trust also advocates for the social well-being of the boy child.
