Thembi Community Initiative has supported persons with disabilities in Chitipa District with assorted items worth K187 million to ease their livelihood.
The items included 90 non-motorised wheelchairs, six solid-seat mobility carts, four mini-coolers, 24 sewing machines and 10 crutches.
beneficiary. | Andrew Weddings
Speaking during the handover on Monday at Chitipa District Council premises, the organisation’s executive director Patrick Ziba said they wanted to complement government’s efforts in addressing the challenges persons with disabilities are facing in the district.
“We have a team working on the ground identifying beneficiaries who have never owned a wheelchair before and today we are pleased that the donation will make a difference in their lives,” he said.
Myren Simwambi, whose son had received a wheelchair, said the gift was a source of relief to the family.
She said: “I am happy. My son has been suffering for a long time and I never expected this help. It will enable him to move around.
“Most importantly, he will be able to go to school without someone escorting him.”
Chitipa district commissioner Charles Mhone commended Thembi Community Initiative for mobilising resources to support persons with disabilities.
He said: “We have friends who cannot walk and the wheelchairs will help to ease their mobility challenges. Sewing machines will help beneficiaries to embark on tailoring business.
“The government cannot do everything alone; hence, we need local and international partners towards to support persons with disabilities.”
The organisation sourced the items with support from United States-based Hoffman Family
