WVM donates K14 million worth of wheelchairs

World Vision Malawi (WVM) on Thursday donated 33 wheelchairs worth K14 million to children with physical disabilities in Traditional Authority (TA) Chakhaza and Kayembe in Dowa, with an aim of easing mobility challenges the children face on a daily basis.

• Where is the Black Box?
  By Comrade jumbe The tragedy that claimed the lives of the vice president and eight others is a wound that…
• Malawi Congress Party Propagandist Dickson Kashoti alleges Catholic Bishops distancing themselves from Archbishop Msusa’s remarks
  By Burnett Munthali Dickson Kashoti, a known propagandist for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has stirred public discourse with claims…
• Counsel Khumbo Soko questions reactions to Archbishop Msusa’s Sermon
  By Burnett Munthali Prominent Malawian lawyer Counsel Khumbo Soko has sparked a spirited debate on social media with his remarks…
• MCP’s Secret Plot Exposed: Millions Splurged to Silence Bishop Msusa
  By Twink Jones Gadama In a shocking revelation, this publication has uncovered a clandestine plot by three senior cabinet ministers…
• Acting Vice president for LEF party Rev Dr. Chimwemwe Mangani Defects to DPP,
  In a significant political shift, Rev Dr. Chimwemwe Mangani, the acting Vice President for the Liberation for Economic Freedom Party…

In an interview after donating 21 of the wheelchairs at Chikhobwe in T/A Chakhaza, Arnold Tsalayekha, WVM Programmes Manager for Kasungu and Dowa said the organization decided to make the donation as one way of easing mobility challenges the children face.

“As a child focused organization, it is our desire to see every child enjoying life in all its fullness and this includes children with disabilities. So we realized that there are a lot of children facing mobility challenges in the catchments we serve. It becomes difficult for parents to take the children to school, in accessing health care amongst others.

“With this support, we believe they will now be able to engage positively with their friends at school and in the community. Even the parents can also have ample time to engage in other activities which can improve their livelihoods,” he said.

The donation has been made through a project called Able-To-Thrive which the organization is implementing.

The wheelchairs have been specifically designed according to the needs of the children.

In his remarks, Director of Health and Social Services for Dowa district council Dr Peter Makoza said the donation will help children to have a better social life.

“We are looking at children who have difficulties with mobility, not only to and from school but also in socializing with other children, because due to mobility challenges, they were sort of isolated.

“But now they will be able to interact with their peers, which will help them both socially and intellectually. We are thankful to WVM for the donation and we ask other organizations who can, to come in and help because we have many other children in the district with similar needs,” he said.

Maria Dickson of Chikasauka village, mother to a 5 year old boy with a physical challenge said the wheelchair will help her child going to school which she said was a challenge.

“With this wheelchair, I will be able to get my child to school where he can get an education.
I will also be able to travel long distances with him, which was a challenge too,” she said.