On a mission to cater for the physically challenged, Tsepang Nare, disability rights activist embarked on a campaign to mobilize resources to secure wheelchairs for his constituents to ensure their mobility.
Nare said that his campaign began on April 20 under the theme “Years of Touching Lives”. However, the campaign targeted a maximum of R76 700 to be able to acquire wheelchairs that cost R2 950 for the 26 intended beneficiaries.
The initiative begin to provide for the needy began on March 1, 1995 when Nare launched a similar campaign, which coincided with the International Wheelchair Day.“Then (in 1995) the wheelchair donations came from Harare Dawn, which is a member of the Rotary Club and has been very instrumental in availing wheelchairs that are sourced from overseas to PWDs,” added Nare.
“Then we have had other funding partners like RaDDa, ZIMNEDAO, Jairosi Jiri — all of which are organisations that work towards advancing the rights of PWDs,” Nare continued.
Well-wishers stepped in to assist after learning that millions of PWDs worldwide did not have access to mobility devices and other necessary aids. Bulawayo Disability Action Group is also involved in the campaign which seeks donations from local and international philanthropists.