adminRobin Muchetu Senior Reporter
“I NEVER thought I would be fully catered for overseas in terms of accessibility as I move around on an electric wheelchair, but to my surprise I had no challenges at all.” These are the words of an elated Miss Samantha Nyereyemhuka (33), who was in the United States recently for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Initiative (Yali) programme at the University of Delaware.
Miss Nyereyemhuka says she was skeptical about the whole experience as she was not sure if she would be able to move around in a foreign country due to her condition. She was born with Muscular Dystrophy, a condition which weakens the muscles and as a result she cannot walk.
“I was scared, but to my surprise all went well and I never had any mobility challenges, a situation that I want to see my fellow countrymen who live with disability enjoying,” she said.
She said many people with limited movement due to disability have challenges in accessing buildings, schools and any other spaces as the country is not yet fully developed to cater for them.
Miss Nyereyemhuka said the trip to America was an eye opener as she learnt a new way of life.
“I learnt a lot of things. I was under the Civic Leadership track where we learnt leadership skills on an international level and also from an American perspective. It also offered me a chance to network with people from various countries,” she said.
While in the US, she learnt about disability issues and how people who live with disability can be assisted.
“I visited a school for the deaf and I was inspired in that they had so many visuals which stimulate them since they are deaf and it was very ideal for their disability. I hope Zimbabwe can take a leaf and have such classes.
“I also visited rehabilitation centres, particularly at Easter Seals which caters for children aged between two and eight years, and I realised that rehabilitation of a child is essential at an early stage as it aids in making their condition better,” she said.
Under the Mandela Washington Fellowship, 30 young Zimbabwean leaders attended the six-week long mentorship programme.
Besides the learning aspect, Miss Nyereyemhuka said there were still many misconceptions about Africa and Zimbabwe.
“For starters some people in America did not know about Zimbabwe and that it even exists yet we know a lot about America. Some people even assume we live in jungles. I even had one person asking me if we speak English in Zimbabwe and I just laughed and told them Zimbabwe is just as ordinary as any place can be,” she chuckled.
She said her vision is to see the elimination of stigma and discrimination towards people living with disabilities and to see their total inclusion in all sectors from education to employment opportunities.
Ms Nyereyemhuka is the projects and finance officer at King George VI, a school for children with disabilities. She is also a sign language trainer and court interpreter.
Originally from Harare, she said she had to come to do her higher education at King George VI because there were no schools with good facilities in Harare which necessitated her move to Bulawayo.
derick.khumalo