Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
AN ongoing disability awareness campaign led by community disability champions in Gwanda has brought about significant changes in how people view and treat Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The initiative has not only shifted mind-sets but also empowered PWDs to take a more active role in community development.
The campaign, spearheaded by Nkomwa Foundation Trust in partnership with Government departments and the Legal Resources Foundation, aims to enhance the meaningful participation of PWDs in community governance and development.
Launched last November under the project titled “Enhancing Meaningful Participation and Involvement of Persons with Disabilities in Community Development and Governance”, the programme, which was concluded last month, has made a lasting impact by promoting inclusivity in Gwanda District.
One notable outcome is the increased visibility and confidence among PWDs, many of whom were previously hidden by their families due to stigma. The campaign has led to greater respect and acceptance of PWDs within communities, significantly reducing discrimination.
“The awareness campaign has helped us gain respect for people with disabilities, which is crucial in eliminating prejudice,” said disability champion Mr Sibangani Mpofu, who is based in Ward 13 and serves as the School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson at Paye Primary School.
Growing up with a disability, Mr Mpofu faced years of isolation and shame. However, his role as a disability champion has empowered him to claim his place in society and encourage others to do the same.
“Being educated on disability issues helped me overcome my fears and actively participate in community life,” he said. Mr Mpofu remains committed to continuing awareness efforts and mentoring other PWDs.
Another champion, Ms Dorrica Gumbo, a caregiver, highlighted the positive changes the campaign has brought to her daughter’s life.
She said her daughter, who has a disability, is now included in school and community activities, which has boosted her confidence and self-esteem.
Ms Gumbo said the support from the community has made a difference in raising her child.
Traditional leader, Chief Nhlamba echoed the sentiments, noting the campaign’s positive impact on the community’s perception of PWDs.
“In the past, some people with disabilities were viewed as a bad omen. Now, we see more PWDs attending community meetings and participating in public life,” he said.
Chief Nhlamba called for the campaign to continue, especially in rural areas where discrimination is more prevalent.
“There are a lot of people with disability that we see emerging in the community both young and old that we never knew about. Some children were being denied an opportunity to learn just because they had a disability,” he said.
“We see a change now as people are now attending community meetings and moving around with their disabled children.”
Nkomwa Foundation Trust director, Mr Pick Nkomwa, acknowledged the progress but emphasised that Gwanda still lags in fully integrating PWDs into community structures.
“While we’ve made strides in raising awareness, there is still much work to be done to eliminate stigma, especially in rural communities. In our approach, we seek to reach out to different stakeholders within the community,” he said.
The campaign involved various stakeholders, including caregivers, community leaders, religious figures, and Government agencies, all working together to foster inclusivity. Disability champions, comprising both PWDs and their caregivers, were instrumental in raising awareness and advocating for change. “We have personnel in different wards, and while the project may have concluded on paper, the work continues. Our trained champions are committed to spreading information and advocating for disability rights across the district,” said Mr Nkomwa.
He stressed that for real progress to be made, awareness campaigns must reach every corner of the country.
“Disability information needs to be widely disseminated so that we can see real change and record significant milestones in the fight for equal rights for PWDs,” said Mr Nkomwa.
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