KEY POINTS
- Insukamini School opens stimulation centre for disabled youth.
- The school provides land for income-generating projects.
- Parents welcome accessible rehabilitation and therapy options.
Youth with disabilities now have access to Insukamini Primary School in the Mpopoma neighbourhood of Bulawayo, where they can participate in projects that generate revenue. As part of its efforts to increase possibilities for children with disabilities and their carers, the Zimbabwe Parents of Children with Disabilities Association (ZPCHCA) initiated this initiative.
Insukamini School opens disability stimulation centre
With funding from the Swedish International Development Agency and assistance from Unicef’s Child Protection Fund, the program is a component of a broader initiative headed by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare. The program assists five districts—Epworth, Mutasa, Beitbridge, and Zvishavane—in implementing the National Disability Policy.
According to Insukamini Primary’s headmistress, Thandi Nkomo, the school has decided to create a stimulation centre for kids with serious disabilities. The school also provided land for out-of-school kids with disabilities to begin income-generating initiatives after consulting with ZPCHCA.
“We already have special classes for children with hearing, intellectual, and visual impairments,” Nkomo stated. “Now, we’re also providing a stimulation centre for children and adolescents with severe disabilities, and we’ve set aside land for youth to grow crops and generate income.”
To support the agricultural operations, the school has a borehole that needs some minor repairs.
According to Newsday, after Josiah Chinamano Primary School and Dumezweni Primary School, Insukamini is the third school in Bulawayo to create a stimulation centre for kids with impairments. These facilities give people access to education, rehabilitation, and, in Insukamini’s case, employment prospects.
Parents embrace local rehabilitation services initiative
The effort has been well received by parents. According to Anna Siwela, whose son has cerebral palsy, the centre will enable the young people to support themselves by lowering the cost of transportation for physiotherapy.
“We’re grateful for Unicef’s help in advocating for these services,” Siwela stated. “The agriculture projects will keep the youth engaged and help them earn a living.”
Sibonginkosi, another parent said they were relieved that they were no longer need to travel to expensive rehabilitation facilities.
“The centre will provide therapy close to home and allow us to work on the garden while our children receive care,” Dave stated.
366 children and adolescents with impairments have already benefited from the initiative, which has given them access to necessary resources and assistance.
