Mlowe area to have special needs school

Limbikani HIV and Aids and Disabilities Organisation has pledged to construct a special needs school at Mlowe in Rumphi District.

This came to light when the organisation’s coordinator Margaret Nyirenda visited the area on Wednesday and donated a wheelchair and other assorted items, including clothes to 25 children with disabilities.

She said she chose Mlowe  because it has many children with disabilities.

“So, the school will grant them access to education,” said Nyirenda.

She appealed to the public not to stigmatise children with disabilities.

Nyirenda said: “I denounced the myth advanced by some unscrupulous witch doctors that sleeping with children with disabilities can cure HIV and Aids.

“I also urge parents and guardians to let their children mingle freely with their peers with disabilities so that they do not feel discriminated against.” 

Peter Msowoya, who dropped out in Standard Eight due to prolonged illness, has pledged to teach children with disabilities how to read and write.

“I appeal for support from well-wishers to help me with teaching and learning materials,” he said.

Traditional Authority Mwamlowe said he was pleased with the project.

“There is no school for children with disabilities in Mlowe.

“So, I will allocate a place for the construction of the school. My people are eager to start moulding bricks.”

Meanwhile, Tradeline has supported the area’s persons with disabilities and those living with HIV  with loans in form of cash and farm inputs to enable them generate money to support themselves.

Tradeline adviser Vincent Zgambo urged beneficiaries to work under cooperatives to maximise their profits. n

—Additional reporting by MUSSA NYONI, Malawi News Agency