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At the Disability Expo held from July 17 to 19, 2013 under the theme “Empowering and mobilising society for creating sustainable livelihoods for people with disabilities”, the Office of the President provided a platform for the physically challenged to showcase their intellectual prowess, hence opening an avenue to sustainable livelihoods.
The event, graced by non-governmental organisations, the business community and Government departments, will go a long way in bringing permanent solutions to the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
The Special Advisor on Disability to President Mugabe, Retired Brigadier Felix Muchemwa, took to the podium to chronicle the long winding road filled with obstacles travelled by persons with disabilities.
“From 1980 to 1992 there was no law that protected the rights of people with disabilities.
“The Disability Act was put in place in 1992. Unfortunately, it was only successful in effecting the construction of ramps for the wheelchair users in Government facilities and shops.
“The World Bank later on asked the Government to stop providing social services to the disabled and hand them over to the donor community and non-governmental organisations arguing that they are an unnecessary burden to the Government Treasury,” said Brigadier Muchemwa.
“The situation resulted in an increase in number of people begging on the streets and to make matters worse young children spend time begging with their disabled parents so as to fend for the family.
“Should we allow the situation to continue? For how long should we continue surviving on handouts from the donor community?” he asked.
He explained that the situation was later reversed when the Government of Zimbabwe ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Disabled, but he lamented the fact that only a fraction of the demands of persons with disabilities find their way into the new constitution.
The prevailing situation has prompted the Office of the President and Cabinet’s Disability Desk to extend a rescuing arm to propel the disabled to self sustenance.
The chairperson of the Disability Expo steering committee, Mr Victor Mugwagwa, said the inaugural disability expo aimed at empowering persons with disabilities so that they enjoy their inalienable right to a decent lifestyle.
“The expo created a platform in empowering and mobilising society to create sustainable livelihoods for different able citizens. The event will go a long way in educating the public on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, said Mr Mugwagwa.
He said the event has opened a leeway for the indigenisation and economic empowerment to cascade to persons with disabilities.
“The expo successfully brought together persons with disabilities and stakeholders from across the board to exhibit their handiwork, share ideas on business opportunities and get empowered through the Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment,” he said.
When fully implemented this noble deed will change the perception currently held by many amongst us of viewing persons with disabilities as a burden to Government coffers.
People with disabilities play an important role in developing the nation and there is need for a change of mindset towards them as they contribute to the economic development of the country.
The major highlights of the event were the exhibitions of the art work by Tinokwirira Special School from Mabvuku high-density suburb in Harare. The school under Zimcare Trust equips mentally challenged children with artistic skills.
Tinokwirira Special School art teacher Mr Robert Bonjesi said currently he is training 10 children six boys and four girls to sculpt art pieces using soapstone.
“All my students are doing great and the proceeds that we receive from the sales of the sculptures will be given to the child who had carved it so as to cater for the essentials like school fees, uniforms and carving equipment.
The major challenge that we are currently facing is an effective market that readily consumes our products, hence posing a financial challenge that will frustrate the efforts of the children,” said Mr Bonjesi.
Another eye-catching exhibition was from Kukura Neshungu Institute, a registered welfare organisation from Dombotombo in Marondera that empowers children and youths with mental and physical disabilities.
“We empower children through livelihood projects like manufacturing of freezits, popcorns, doormats, woodwork, art crafts, gardening and cookery,” said Tabeth Sibanda, Kukura Neshungu Institute superintendent.
She said the availability of a reliable market for the products will go a long way in ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the children and give them an opportunity to contribute to the economy of the country.
Several organisations who graced the event exhibited some heroic deeds being performed by persons with disabilities which are meant to propel the entire economy to new levels when fully harnessed.
The entertainment industry was not exempted as Ruvimbo Special School from Southerton in Harare gave a breathtaking traditional dance performance that left revellers torn between disbelief and excitement.
The traditional dance group is made up of the mentally challenged children. They performed mhande dance with distinction and left many wondering what else can they offer.
Ruvimbo Special School head Ms Hellen Mandisodza said these children need to be supported for them to realise their full potential in the entertainment industry.
“With the availability of resources we wish to stretch our tentacles and start performing on national events and other social gatherings. It is our studied aim to compose albums and package videos that will be shown on national television,” said Ms Mandisodza.
Seedy Chitsiwa, a wheelchair user, hailed the move taken by the Office of the President and Cabinet.
“We hope to have many disability expos in future as it is the only platform where we can meet and reflect on issues to do with persons with disabilities. In the future many companies and organisations must exhibit so as to offer a variety of options that will see the disabled venturing into business areas of their choice,” said Chitsiwa.
He said the Ministry of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment should in future have their own stand during future expos so as to give persons with disabilities a chance to interact with them and present their business ideas to the ministry responsible for empowerment.
Lilian Gwanyanya, a member of the National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe, hailed the move taken by the Office of the President as she said it fulfils the aim of President Mugabe to bring total empowerment to every citizen.
“We are happy that we are not being left out in the empowerment programmes and we thank the President for facilitating the empowerment of the disabled so that they will be self-sustainable,” said Gwanyanya.
Zimbabwe has created a place for itself in the sun as it held disability expo, the first of its kind in the entire universe.
The country has taken a giant step towards achieving an inclusive society through creating a favourable environment that nourishes growth by harnessing incomparable creativeness possessed by people with disabilities.
Online Reporter