By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, October 18, Mana: 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.

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.