United Methodist Church brings joy to hundreds of children living with disability in Epworth
Online Reporter
Harare -The United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe through its Epworth branch has extended a helping hand to children under the age of 14 living with disability in Epworth, by donating several goods to the minors most whom live under very difficult circumstances due to poverty.
The disabled children who are catered for by Tawanirwanyasha Disability Organisation, a Disability Advocacy Group based in Epworth which advocates for the empowerment of disabled children and adults, received gifts donated by the United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe at a colourful ceremony held in Epworth recently.
Over 100 children living with disabilities received gifts and presents from the United Methodist Church at the event held at Tzuchi Center in the Harare East surbub.
The children who received the gifts were overwhelmed at receiving the gifts since they had never been exposed to toys and reading books in their lifetime due to financial constraints their parents face hence they can’t afford such materials.
Over 100 Children with disability challenges were delighted at receiving toys, dolls for girls,T-shirts, stationary and stockings.
Tzuchi Foundation provided lunch for the event where
Bishop Mudhenda of the United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe was the guest of honour.
Bishop Mudhenda blessed the program with prayers as children opened their parcel boxes sent from OCC which falls under Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.
Children with hearing impairment conducted prayers in sign language. The children memorized verses and prayed using Bible verses encrypted to them by Pastor Douglas Matatani, who is also their mentor.
They were taught to pray in sign language by the founder and patron of Tawanirwanyasha Disability Organisation Pastor Matatani.
A young boy who lives with disability only identified as Tino received a parcel box full of different things including 2 toy cars, 2 lego city toy cars, stationary, English spelling words, round spinning and many items that will keep him preoccupied since he does not go to school due to financial constraints.
Nenyasha, a girl who lives with disability was overjoyed at receiving a parcel box with gifts she had always wished for; a tailor kit, a doll and a T-shirt, plus many more items which amused the little girl.
Tawanirwanyasha Disability Organisation facilitated for the goods to be donated by sourcing funds from the United Methodist Church.
The children under Tawanirwanyasha Disability Organisation are however, in need of necessities such as walking devices, wheelchairs, clutches and a place/play centre.
Some of them have limitations that impede psychological advancement at institutions.
The program revealed that some needy children with disabilities are still being kept indoors as care givers go out to search for basics.
The majority of these children are out of school and lack opportunities for interactions with peers.
Some live in female-headed families as most of the fathers of children with disabilities disown their families after blame shifting and settle in new marriages thus fueling Gender Based Vionce (GBV).
Tawanirwanyasha Disability Organisation founder and patron Pastor Matatani urged families to continue looking after their disabled children and relatives as a way of showing true Christianity morales.
“We are calling out loud to families with disabilities to remain resolute in supporting their family members with disabilities and give thanks and praise to the Lord as disability is not inability,”said Pastor Matatani.
Pastor Matatani said his organisation was dedicated to advocating for the disabled to be empowered so they find ways to survive and lead better lives.
“As Tawanirwanyasha Disability Organisation we are here to seek support in order to empower persons that live with disabilities as we advocate and compliment government efforts in improving standards of living for the communities of persons that live with disabilities,” said Pastor Matatani.
