New orphanage set up

Claudette Sunduza and Shalom Shaurwa

A NEW orphanage, Imba House, has officially been set up in Glen Norah to cater for people living with disabilities, orphans and the elderly.

Imba House requested for land from Harare City Council and they have now been given an office at Glen Norah A Hall to operate from.

“We are glad to officially announce that we have created a centre for children with disabilities in Glen Norah.

“We want to thank the Council and our Ward 29 councillor, Mr Matafi, for their assistance and giving us an office,” said Tendai Mhlanga, the Imba House chairperson.

Another member of the organisation, Suphmia Kaguwe, explained how they will help children living with disabilities.

“The problem is that these children are dropping out of school.

“As we did our research, we discovered that children are being left under the guardianship of old age people, who need assistance too.

“This then becomes difficult for both the children and their guardians.

“That is the reason we want to build a school and a home for them,” she said.

Martha Kahari, secretary of Imba House, said:

“We are grateful for the licence and office to start our operations as an organisation.

“Personally, this gives me a sense of belonging since my three children and I, we are all living with disabilities.

“As Imba House, we want to provide shelter and education for people living with disabilities in Glen Norah and Harare at large.

“We also want to provide a home for orphans and the elderly.”

A parent of a child living with disabilities hailed Imba House.

“I am very happy for my child and for Glen Norah. It’s very difficult to survive in our communities, because we are living with people who don’t accept us.

“I want to thank Auntie Mhlanga for creating this centre and I pray that God helps and blesses all her hard work,” said.

Cllr Matafi vowed to help change the lives of the vulnerable.

“I am going to help the organisation by providing materials and assisting them to get the land as well as help them to look for donors.

“Residents should create a room for everyone and know that disability does not mean inability,” he said.

Herbert Nyoni, the owner of Health Direct Private Limited, pledged to assist Imba House.

“I believe in giving back to the community and that is the reason I want to help.

“I am going to help the organisation financially and with medication.

“I also want to have a close relationship with these children,” he said.