NEW: 800 children with disabilities receive education, birth certificates

Theseus Shambare

Over 800 children with disabilities in five districts across Zimbabwe have benefited from a government-led programme run in partnership with UNICEF over the past year.

Programmes coordinator for the Zimbabwe Parents of the Handicapped Children Association (ZPCHA) Mr Regis Manjoro revealed this in an interview with The Sunday Mail on Wednesday.

The initiative, supported by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), aims to empower children with disabilities by improving their access to education, healthcare and essential services.

It is being implemented in Epworth, Mutasa, Beitbridge and Zvishavane Districts.

“Over the past 12 months, we have reached over 800 children, providing them with access to various services.

“These include birth certificates, enabling access to education through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) and nutritional support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Additionally, many children have received assistive devices and other support from faith-based organisations,” said Mr Manjoro.

He highlighted the significant challenges faced by families with children with disabilities.

“Mothers often bear the brunt of caring for these children, while fathers may withdraw or even abandon their families, wrongly blaming their spouses for their children’s disabilities,” Mr Manjoro said.

The programme is ensuring the implementation of the National Disability Policy which emphasises bringing services to the community, thereby eliminating the need for families to travel long distances.

“Through partnerships, we bring physiotherapists, social workers and other essential professionals to the school-based stimulation classes.”

Ms Tendai Chaperevera, a mother of three children with disabilities, shared her experience.

“Obtaining birth certificates for my child was a major hurdle. I tried registering in Rusape, but the process was costly and beyond my means. This programme enabled me to acquire the necessary documents right here in Epworth,” she said.

Ms Sarudzai Musagwiza, whose child has cerebral palsy, also shared her story.

“My marriage suffered due to my child’s disability. However, through the knowledge and support gained from this programme, my husband and I were able to reconcile,” she said.

The Government has made deliberate efforts to assist persons with disabilities.

This has seen 227 360 people receiving food aid this year and 6 251 getting cash transfers, among other things.