Bikita’s PLWDs express disquiet over segregation

TATENDA CHIKARA IN MASVINGO

People living with disability (PLWDs) in Bikita district in Masvingo Province have expressed disquiet over  discrimination in schools, Business Times can report.

Speaking at a Communication and Advocacy Dialogue meeting held in Ward 5 in Bikita last week, which was organised by  the Development of Apostolic and Zionist Churches in Zimbabwe, villagers said they were deeply worried by the situation.

“For us people with albinism we have always been sent to Copota School of the Blind (in Masvingo) for isolation because we have special needs. We plead with the government to include us in devolution funds so that it goes towards catering for our special needs in schools where everyone goes,” said a villager from Ward 4, who is albino  and requested anonymity.

“We need schools to have brails that we use to read or write because of our poor vision. We also need devolution funds to provide us with school hats, sunglasses and many for our children with such condition.”

Another villager with albinism who  also requested not to be named said: “(We need) same treatment as able bodied persons, hence the need for special  needs catered for in schools near their places of residence than to board a bus to a school far away. We plead with the government to assist us, especially with devolution funds.

“All schools should have structures that are welcome to everyone, everywhere.”

The Councillor for Ward 4 in Bikita, Gwashira Manyurure said PLWDs faced so many challenges that needed urgent attention.

“… they are facing a lot of challenges which start from starvation to not managing to build their own toilets because they are not able bodied. This is a big challenge, we kindly seek help so that they can live a dignified life,” Manyurure said.

The Initiative for Community Development in Zimbabwe  inclusion officer Yemurai Ngoma told Business Times that as an organisation they are advocating for integration in schools so that PLWDs were not discriminated against from mainstream schools.

“As an organisation we are advocating for integration in schools so that PLWDs are not discriminated against from mainstream schools. All schools should meet every child’s need,” Ngoma said.