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By Muchaneta Chimuka
ZIMBABWE and China continue to maintain bilateral ties back in history and the relations continue to cement through the unwavering humanitarians supports that they Chinese people are rendering to the vulnerable communities.
This Monday Mrs Wang Wei, wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe donated goods US$2 300 to children with disabilities who are members of the Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association (ZIPHCA) at their offices in Hatfield.
Speaking during the handover of the donation, Ms Wang Wei, said the gesture was meant to appreciate the role the organisation was playing in championing the rights of the people living with disabilities especially during this period where Covid-19 has affected people’s livelihoods.
“The Chinese Embassy has been working with ZPHCA for quite a number of years assisting with goodies whenever we feel that there is a need. During this Covid-19 period we keep on checking on them to make sure that their needs are catered for. Children with disabilities need food, clothing’s, Personal protective equipment (PPEs) to minimize the spread of Covid-19 because they are the most vulnerable considering that they always need aid for their mobility, they touch surfaces hence their hands ought to be washed frequently and to wear masks,” he said.
The donated goods include three wheel chairs, mealie – meal, cooking oil, diapers, stationery, sugar, beans among others.
“I strongly commend the wonderful work you are doing as ZPHCA creating a platform to promote and protect children’s rights and creating a society in which every child with a disability can enjoy their rights and be equal to each and every child,” she said.
She said, children with disabilities deserved equal opportunities and hailed the Government for its commitment to support this group of people through the implementation of disability friendly policies.
Programs Coordinator for ZPCA, Mrs Theresa Makwara said most parents of children with disabilities do not have stable income since they work in the non-formal sector.
“Most parents whom we work with and into vending business and some are always idle at home because of the children who need their care 24/7. Some have been divorced after they gave birth to children with disabilities. They are shunned and cursed by societies who do not understand disability hence there is need for awareness on such issues. Most of our children need diapers for life because of the nature of their disabilities hence we are very grateful to the support that we are getting from our Chinese friends,” he said.
The Chinese Government also attaches to strengthening the friendship and cooperation with Zimbabwe in the socio-economic, cultural and political sphere.
However, it was unfortunate that the children could not attend the events a way of minimizing crowding in this era of Covid-19 hence their parents will collect the goodies for them.
On June 9 this year, The Government with the support of various stakeholders including UN launched the national disability policy stakeholders including the UN, with the agenda of reducing the marginalization and discrimination of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), empower them to improve their own quality of life and enable them to contribute towards the national development agenda.
The policy sets standards for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in all facets of life, thereby serving as an overarching policy framework on disability across all sectors, including the public, private and development sectors.
