Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has strengthened disability inclusion in the Midlands Province by distributing assistive devices to learners and other persons with disabilities, in line with the Second Republic’s drive to ensure equal access to education, mobility and public services.
The mobility and learning devices were handed over to beneficiaries by the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube. The event at the Government complex, was attended by learners, parents and education officials.
Minister Ncube said the programme reflects Government’s commitment to inclusive, quality and Heritage-Based Education 5.0, which supports the country’s vision of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
The package comprised 15 wheelchairs, 40 pairs of crutches, 32 magnifiers, 11 walking canes, 125 talking calculators, 14 slates and styluses, 69 headphones, 21 Jensen recorders and 297 Braille abacuses for learners with disabilities across the province.
“This support package demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the provision of inclusive, quality, Heritage-Based Education 5.0, which underpins the attainment of a resource-based and knowledge-driven upper middle-income economy by 2030,” said Minister Ncube.
He said the initiative builds on the National Disability Policy launched by President Mnangagwa in June 2021, which promotes equal access to education, healthcare and public infrastructure while requiring learning institutions to create inclusive environments for all learners.
Minister Ncube said the recently enacted Persons with Disabilities Act has further strengthened the legal framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
“This is guided by the Persons with Disabilities Act, a landmark piece of legislation that aligns with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” he said.
“The Act establishes a National Disability Affairs Board, broadens the definition of disability, outlaws discrimination in employment and education, and guarantees equal rights to public transport, information and communication technologies and legal services.”
Minister Ncube commended the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development for researching and locally manufacturing assistive devices as well as establishing an Audiological Testing Laboratory at the Midlands Provincial Education Offices.
He said all school-going children in the province are now screened for hearing impairments while psychologists conduct psychometric assessments to identify learners requiring specialised support.
Minister Ncube added that the province now has 36 resource units catering for children with intellectual disabilities, hearing and visual impairments.
He also applauded schools that have invested in disability-friendly infrastructure, including ramps and accessible ablution facilities to comply with Section 22 of the Constitution and the Government’s policy of leaving no one and no place behind.
Minister Ncube singled out Mudavanhu Zimcare Trust, Jairos Jiri Naran Centre Primary School and Jairos Jiri Naran Centre Secondary School for their contribution to inclusive education.
He also acknowledged the work of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in supporting vulnerable groups through programmes that provide wheelchairs, walking frames, crutches, paediatric equipment, stationery, sanitary products, school feeding initiatives and free cancer screening services.
Minister Ncube said the First Lady was also leading rehabilitation efforts for victims of drug and substance abuse through the Mbare Drug and Substance Rehabilitation Centre.
Expressing concern over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among learners, Minister Ncube warned drug traffickers that law enforcement agencies will continue to pursue them while urging young people to stay away from drugs.
“I therefore warn all drug peddlers that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with you. I urge learners to desist from taking drugs as they are detrimental to their physical and mental health,” he said.
Senator Annah Shiri, who represents persons with disabilities in Parliament and is president of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities in Zimbabwe, welcomed the Government’s continued investment in disability inclusion.
“As the saying goes, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ Today, these wheelchairs are not just mobility devices; they are steps towards independence, dignity and full participation in society,” she said.
Sen Shiri said assistive technologies such as tablets and other digital learning devices will improve access to education, information, Government services and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.
She also commended the Office of the President and Cabinet for supporting livelihood projects and land allocation initiatives targeting persons with disabilities, saying they reflected the Second Republic’s commitment to inclusive development.
“The progress we are witnessing today is a result of Government, stakeholders and communities working together. As the Senator representing Persons with Disabilities, I commend Honourable Owen Ncube and all stakeholders for making inclusion a reality,” said Sen Shiri.
