By Unicef
Insukamini Primary School in Mpopoma, Bulawayo’s high-density suburb, has become a beacon of hope for youth with disabilities after it opened its doors to them to venture into income-generating projects.
The school was persuaded to contribute to moulding an inclusive society after it was approached by the Zimbabwe Parents of Children with Disabilities Association (ZPCHCA) this year as part of its advocacy programme to create opportunities for children with disabilities and their caregivers.
ZPHCA’s initiative is part of a programme by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare supported by Unicef’s Child Protection Fund III and funded by the Swedish International Development Agency that seeks to strengthen caregivers’ capacity to advocate free access to disability-specialised services.
The initiative is contributing to the implementation of the National Disability Policy in five districts: Epworth (Harare), Mutasa (Manicaland), Beitbridge (Matabeleland South), and Zvishavane (Midlands).
Thandi Nkomo, the headmistress of Insukamini Primary School, said they agreed to open a simulation centre for children with severe disabilities. Following lobbying by the ZPCHA, the centre will also offer youths who are out of school land to do income-generating projects.
“The school already has special classes for children with hearing impairment, the intellectually and visually impaired,” Nkomo said.
