Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MORE than 1 000 people with disabilities from Matobo and Gwanda Districts are set to benefit from a two-and-a-half-year empowerment programme aimed at transforming their lives.
Implemented by the Matabeleland South-based disability organisation, Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT), the project focuses on “Strengthening the Role of Civil Society Organisations and Community-Based Organisations in Promoting Justice and Good Governance in Marginalised Communities”, funded by the European Union.
Speaking recently, during an inception meeting, NFT executive director Mr Pick Nkomwa said the intervention seeks to enhance local civil society and community-based organisations’ capacity to promote meaningful participation of marginalised communities in development work.
“This project is a joint initiative co-created by a consortium led by Diakonia and three other organisations, namely Community Youth Development Trust (CYDT), South Western Regional Gender Network (SWRGN) and Christian Legal Society (CLS), with funding from the European Union.
“The project will primarily focus on persons with disabilities (PWDs) while also strengthening the institutional capacity of four Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) that serve women, youth and PWDs in Gwanda and Matobo districts,” he said.
Mr Nkomwa said the objective of the programme is to ensure inclusivity and participatory sustainable development, ensuring everyone is included. The goal is to empower marginalised women, youth, and persons with disabilities in remote areas to actively participate in policy dialogues, legal reforms and development processes.
Mr Nkomwa said while the project targets two districts, the impact will also spill into other districts. He noted there is still a significant gap in mainstreaming disability issues, hence his organisation is working with other partners to reduce this gap.
“PWDs have been marginalised for far too long. Our mission is to bridge this gap, empowering them to reach their full potential and enjoy equal opportunities alongside their peers without disabilities.
“We believe in equality and want to see persons with disabilities represented in policy-making and decision-making bodies. By empowering them from grassroots to national levels, we uplift entire communities. Supporting one person with a disability can have a ripple effect, benefitting their families, caregivers and the broader community,” he said.
Gwanda Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr Ranganai Sibanda, said the project will change many lives in rural areas as it aligns with the Government’s development agenda, which seeks to ensure that no one and no place is left behind.
“We welcome this initiative that focuses on marginalised communities in rural areas, particularly empowering persons with disabilities. This project will be transformative, ensuring PWDs are included in community meetings and decision-making processes. We are grateful to NFT for their commitment to supporting PWDs in these areas,” he said.
Since its establishment five years ago, Nkomwa Foundation Trust has been dedicated to transforming the lives of people with disabilities (PWDs) in Matabeleland South Province, providing support and empowerment to create a more inclusive community.
NFT is making significant strides in supporting persons with disabilities in Gwanda District. Key initiatives include the construction of a disability centre in Mapate Ward 16 in Gwanda and facilitating access to suitable education for children with disabilities, empowering them for a brighter future. — @DubeMatutu
