A non-profit organization advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, Joy Abilities Empowerment (JAE), has underscored the urgent need for swift intervention to address the many challenges facing individuals with disabilities in Machinga District.
The call was made by JAE Director Bernadette Vaz during a wheelchair distribution event held in Liwonde, Machinga.
The initiative, in partnership with Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital Orthopedic Centre, saw 10 wheelchairs donated to individuals with physical disabilities.
Vaz highlighted several pressing issues affecting persons with disabilities, including mobility challenges, hunger, poverty, economic hardship, human rights violations, and unequal access to healthcare services.
She emphasized that these persistent problems continue to erode the living standards of individuals with disabilities, often rendering them marginalized and undervalued in society.
“To address the mobility challenge, JAE partnered with Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital Orthopedic Centre to provide wheelchairs to some of the most affected individuals. These donations are worth millions and will go a long way in improving their lives” said Vaz.
She added that the provision of wheelchairs would enable beneficiaries to move independently, search for food, and even engage in income-generating activities.
“Many individuals with disabilities in this area have been unable to participate in economic activities or run businesses effectively due to mobility constraints. The provision of these wheelchairs aims to empower them and restore their independence” Vaz explained.
Vaz also pointed out that hunger remains a critical issue, further worsening the plight of people with disabilities. She urged more organizations and partners to collaborate with JAE to tackle these challenges holistically.
“Our resources are limited. As an organization, we cannot meet all their needs on our own. We are appealing to other partners to join hands with us so that we can reach more individuals with disabilities and provide a wider range of support,” she said.
Village Headman Chabwera echoed Vaz’s sentiments, stating that people with disabilities are often sidelined in development efforts due to a lack of resources and support.
He called for financial empowerment to help them start small-scale businesses and become self-reliant.
Bright Msaka, Member of Parliament for Machinga Likwenu, pledged to collaborate with Joy Abilities Empowerment in supporting people with disabilities in the area.
One of the beneficiaries, Wongani Manjano, a 17-year-old Form 4 student at Liwonde Secondary School, expressed her gratitude to JAE for the wheelchair donation.
“I used to be carried on my relative’s back to school, which was extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season. This wheelchair will make it easier for me to get to school and will help improve my academic performance” said Manjano.
The distribution of wheelchairs reflects JAE’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusivity and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the community.
