Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
A QUALIFIED teacher and disability advocate is appealing for US$1 515 to buy a new knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO) after post-polio complications impaired his mobility, threatening his ability to continue teaching, supporting his family and assisting children and people living with disabilities.
Mr Tavhunduka Mawadza (50), who was left with permanent weakness in his left leg after contracting polio at the age of two, said he has endured a lifetime of physical challenges but has remained determined to live an independent and productive life.
He recalled that his fortunes changed when, at the age of 15, he received assistance from the Jairos Jiri Association.
“When I was 15 years old, I was taken to Jairos Jiri Association, where I received assistance. They stretched my leg and provided me with a knee ankle foot orthosis. That device changed my life because I was able to walk properly again,” he said.
With support from well-wishers, Mr Mawadza completed his education and eventually qualified as a teacher.
However, as he grew older, the orthosis became too small and had to be removed.
Since then, he has lived with increasing pain while striving to remain active.
His condition has now deteriorated, with doctors advising that the muscles in his left leg have weakened significantly.
“My leg is now dragging and I fall frequently. I can no longer travel long distances. It has become difficult to move around, yet I need to go to work and provide for my family,” he said.
Mr Mawadza, who is married and has four children, supplements his teaching profession through preaching in churches and schools, as well as farming maize and groundnuts and rearing livestock.
He said his declining mobility has affected every aspect of his life.
“I have a passion for preaching the gospel and serving people, but my movement is now limited. I also lead a disability support group where I help children with disabilities cope with life and remain in school,” he said.
Despite his own challenges, Mr Mawadza is currently providing shelter and care for four children, including two living with disabilities and two other vulnerable children.
He also hopes to establish a centre that will provide support and opportunities for people living with disabilities.
Doctors have recommended that he be fitted with a new knee ankle foot orthosis to improve his mobility and reduce the risk of further falls.
The device costs US$1 500, while medical consultation costs a further US$15, bringing the total amount required to US$1 515.
Unable to meet the cost on his own, Mr Mawadza is appealing to individuals, corporates, churches and other well-wishers for financial assistance.
He said he is still repaying people who previously supported him financially to complete his education.
He said regaining his mobility would enable him to continue teaching, preaching, farming and caring for vulnerable children while pursuing his vision of establishing a disability support centre.
