Free education benefits children with disabilities

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

Children with disabilities in Epworth are benefiting from free education and critical services following the establishment of stimulation centres aimed at providing much-needed support in Zimbabwe’s fifth largest urban authority.

These centres offer physiotherapy, psychosocial assistance, and educational services as part of the Government’s disability inclusion programme.

Through a partnership involving UNICEF, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and the Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association (ZPHCA), 18 stimulation centres have been set up across the country.

This initiative helps children with disabilities access education and care at no cost. Mr Kudzai Garanewako, a field officer for ZPHCA, emphasised the importance of these centres. “We work through support groups consisting of parents to raise awareness and identify children with disabilities.

“We offer psychosocial support to parents and, through collaboration with community health workers, ensure that children get the help they need.”

Funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), the programme aims to break down barriers and dispel myths about disabilities, encouraging caregivers to seek medical and educational support for their children.

“We have rehabilitation technicians from the Ministry of Health and Child Care who offer physiotherapy, and we see children making great strides,” said Mr Garanewako.

Mrs Mary Saidi, a 44-year-old mother from Epworth, shared how the stimulation centre at Chizungu Primary School has helped her son, who has cerebral palsy.

“At first, it was hard to accept my child’s condition. But after attending workshops, we learned how to care for him, and now he can read and write. He is even interacting well with others.”

Mrs Saidi expressed her relief about the free education. “The best part is that we don’t have to pay anything. It is such a relief to know that my child can go to school without worrying about fees.”

Mrs Jesta Bhora, whose 12-year-old son with cerebral palsy began attending school at age 10, also praised the centres.

“He can now read and write like other children, and he goes to school and comes back alone. It has been amazing to see his progress.”

However, Mrs Bhora raised a concern about staffing: “There is only one teacher at the stimulation centre, which makes it difficult to give each child the attention they need. We hope the Government can equip the classroom better, so it looks more like the other classrooms at the school.”

Another parent, Mrs Nelia Tsvangirai, shared how her son’s life has transformed since enrolling in the programme.

“He could not even hold anything before, but now he can do almost everything by himself. He is interacting with others and is no longer confined to the house.”

Despite the challenges, the stimulation centres are offering a lifeline to families of children with disabilities, providing both hope and tangible results.

As the programme continues to expand, there is optimism that these centres will further empower caregivers and help children with disabilities reach their full potential.