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The Rhodesia Herald,
April 21, 1944
THE formation of a hand-loom weaving centre in Gatooma for disabled servicemen was discussed at a meeting of the Gatooma Branch, BESL, held in Speck’s Hotel on April 13 under the chairmanship of Mr T. J. Golding.
The meeting discussed a letter from Lt-Col W. Addison, the director of demobilisation, which said that funds were available for this work, and asking the Gatooma branch to submit a practical scheme.
Two categories of disabled should be taken into consideration. These were the temporarily disabled — those prevented from entering competitive employment through a war neurosis and the severely disabled, who might adopt hand-loom weaving as a permanent occupation.
Col Addison also suggested that articles for which there was a regular demand should be produced. If, as a result of the training, there was a large output, it might be found necessary to restrict competition.
This could be done by the issuing of licenses for hand-loom weaving and would effectively deal with native competition, which was already operating under European direction.
A letter from Mrs KL Donison was also read to the meeting. She declared her willingness to train hand-loom weaving teachers and thought Gatooma the best centre for a start.
The meeting thought that special premises should be built, and the provision of a weaving room, recreation and reading rooms, six bedrooms, staff quarters, and a kitchen were suggested.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Many in independent Zimbabwe have fought various wars — war of liberation; Mozambican war against Renamo insurgents; the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo following the assassination of President Desiree Laurent Kabila, and other UN peace-keeping missions. These wars have left a number of them disabled, mentally-challenged and destitute. Thus they need self-sustaining projects to normalise their lives.
Creating opportunities for disabled persons to become self-reliant is crucial if we are to alleviate poverty among such vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
The main objective is to enable rural persons with disabilities to become economically self-reliant through income generating projects as small-scale entrepreneurs.
By using different methods and developing personal ways of accomplishing various tasks, people with disabilities will do everything required for establishing a successful enterprise.
By working with partner projects to develop income generating activities, we can nurture independence and empower the disabled towards self-sustainability.
Online Reporter