Tonne of mealie meal to Jairos Jiri from Mthuli Ncube

FINANCE, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has donated a tonne of mealie meal to Jairos Jiri Association.

Prof Ncube, who was in New York for the 78th Ordinary Session of the United Nations General Assembly, delivered the donation on Thursday through his representative, Mr Emerald Mabaya.

In his remarks Mr Mabaya said Prof Ncube extended the gesture out of kindness.

“The minister is a philanthropist, and from time to time he does philanthropic work and this is just, but an example. He wants to see all people regardless of creed, race, culture or tradition prosper in the new Zimbabwe we are building, including people living with disabilities,” he said.

Jairos Jiri Association board member, Mr Steve Goremucheche paid tribute to Prof Ncube saying the donation has come right on time.

“This is a timely donation and it will definitely go a long way in alleviating challenges in terms of feeding the inmates. It has been a tough year for the centre, and difficult for us to raise funds hence we value this gesture so much,” he said.

“We urge individuals, companies and other politicians to emulate this kind gesture. Prof Ncube is a man who really loves people and we hope to see others emulating him.”

The Jairos Jiri Centre is located in Nguboyenja suburb in Bulawayo and has 95 inmates. The centre offers various vocational courses that cater for people living with disabilities and also includes those that are able-bodied.

Acting manager for the centre Mr Stephen Makwanya said they promote inclusive development and active participation for persons living with disabilities.

“Our services include short and long courses. We have both a day school and boarding facilities. Most of the short course students are either self-funded or catered for by other organisations,” he said.

Mr Makwanya said the institution has partnered with some stakeholders to bring in more entrepreneurial courses.

“We have managed to start a greenhouse project, have agro-processing equipment and a fish pond. Our agriculture production has since improved and supplements the diet of the inmates,” he said.

He said the centre faced various challenges such as a lack of financial resources to procure equipment for practical courses on offer.

“Due to Covid-19, we reduced our enrolment to allow those that were already registered to complete their courses and to prevent the spread of the virus,” said Mr Makwanya.

The Jairos Jiri Centre also develops teachers for pupils with disabilities and other special educational needs while providing support services for university students with special educational needs.

The centre is an affiliate of the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)’s Robert Mugabe School of Education and Culture. The centre was founded by the last legendary philanthropist Mr Jairos Jiri who was the first black person to establish support services and special schools in Zimbabwe.

Among its many activities are inclusive schools, special schools for the deaf and blind, hostels and homes, and vocational training centres.