US govt throws lifeline

SYDNEY SAIZE RECENTLY IN MUTASA

The United States has provided financial support to people with down syndrome in Mutasa district, Manicaland Province.

The grant will see at least 150 members of Takunda Development Trust, which was established in 2006, engaging in income generating projects to eke out a living and uplifting their livelihoods.

The funding will be channelled towards garment production, furniture and coffin making projects.

Nicholas Johane, supervisor at Takunda Rural Down Syndrome Furniture Making Income Generating and Skill Training Project, said the funding would improve the wellbeing and increase the capacity of rural people living with the condition to strengthen social cohesion and fostering community based activities.

“Since 2006 TDT has trained vulnerable populations in livelihood skills and the project has countered the persisting negative perceptions towards PDS, resulting in a lack of livelihood options and poor living conditions,” Johane said.

“The project employs furniture and wooden coffin experts to impart skills to the individuals with Down Syndrome to improve livelihoods and living standards while creating a sense of ownership for them. The skills gained have led to the reduction of extreme poverty amongst this population.”

He said there has been a remarkable shift of the people’s perceptions of Down Syndrome by the community.

“The grant has made a milestone by increasing awareness and support for these beneficiaries. The project witnessed a shift in these perceptions as the community started to engage people with Down Syndrome to offer their carpentry services,” Johane said.

He added: “At household level, the project beneficiaries are now respected and given a chance to voice their concerns in the communities they live in.”

The community has since formed committees of parents of PDS and also engaged other interest groups such as the Department of Social Welfare, Childcare, Family Aids Caring Trust, and the Mutasa Rural District Council.

Before the commencement of the project PDS were regarded as a liability to the community. But, they now offer their services after the skills empowerment.

One of the beneficiaries from the project, Steven Garwi said he has been rescued from drug and substance abuse.

“I can now stand on my own as I am fully empowered. The skills I have gained here will go a long way in uplifting myself, my family and community. If this could be spread across most areas, it would help a lot,” said Garwi, who is about to finish his tailoring and garment processing course with the project.