Online Reporter
THE Jairos Jiri Centre in Southerton has received a major facelift after the Bridging Gaps Foundation (BGF) rehabilitated its ablution facilities to improve the dignity and living conditions of learners with disabilities.
The facilities were handed over in Harare on Tuesday during a ceremony presided over by Bridging Gaps Foundation Chief Executive Officer Mr Mberikwazvo Chitambo.
BGF is a philanthropic organisation funded by prominent businessman Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
The foundation refurbished all 23 toilets at the centre, installed six gas-powered geysers for hot water, resolved all electrical faults, repaired switches and plugs, and installed new bathroom tiles and mirrors. The comprehensive project also included the installation of hand-wash basins and bathtubs, re-tiling of shower cubicles, internal and external repainting, and the fitting of new water storage tanks, booster pumps, and optimized drainage systems.
Speaking at the handover, Mr Chitambo stated that the intervention was guided by a precise needs assessment to restore basic human dignity.
“For children who depend on others for aspects of their daily care, the quality of these facilities matters deeply,” Mr Chitambo said, praising the patience of the institutional caregivers. “When we undertook the needs assessment at this Centre, our responsibility was to listen carefully and understand where our support could make a meaningful difference.”
He added that BGF is working with five partner children’s homes under its Path to Self-Reliance initiative to help vulnerable institutions strengthen corporate management and build financially secure futures.
Jairos Jiri Association National Executive Director Mrs Grace Kamanga revealed that the facilities had degenerated into a severe health and safety hazard prior to the intervention.
“Before these renovations, the state of the ablution facilities had become a matter of great concern,” Mrs Kamanga said. “The flushing systems had ceased to function effectively, forcing learners and staff to resort to the use of buckets of water to flush toilets. Some learners had no choice but to use dishes and buckets for bathing.”
She commended BGF and Mrs Tagwirei for their unwavering commitment to persons living with disabilities, noting that the gesture honours the legacy of national pioneer Mr Jairos Jiri, MBE, while aligning with Vision 2030 and the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
The Jairos Jiri Association currently treats and transforms the lives of more than 16,000 persons with disabilities annually through community-based rehabilitation, specialized education, and vocational training frameworks.
