Bulawayo's Abilities Workshop: More progress in the form of seed donation
BULAWAYO – Once again ZDDT has demonstrated its deep concern for the plight of Abilities Sheltered Workshop for the Mentally and Physically Disabled. In an excellent occasion that reflects the community responsibility spirit at Ward 6, Team ZDDT through the local Councillor, presented a donation of seed to the staff at Abilities.
>> Bulawayo's Abilities Workshop has a future thanks to ZDDT and AEC
>> Bulawayo's Abilities Workshops revisited
>> Abilities fighting for survival
>> Community appeal: Abilities Welfare Organisation
The seeds which are intended to boost vegetable production in the institution’s nutritional garden comprised of various edible green leaf varieties, onions, carrots and peas.
Before the presentation ceremony, Simon Spooner, ZDDT’s National Development Officer (NDO), made reference to Abilities’ self help status, noting that the donation was made in recognition of this. He said that it was the Trust’s hope that the gesture would contribute toward addressing the institution’s plight, while also assisting in Abilities’ resuscitation efforts.
He added that ZDDT was involved in wide consultation with several potential partners who might be willing to provide assistance of relevance to this aspect.Mr. Spooner said the event was a direct consequence of the Trust’s Community Mapping Initiative in which Councillors and their CATs were encouraged to map out areas of need in their wards, prior to approaching ZDDT for appropriate intervention.
Presenting the seed, Cllr. Jennifer Bent, Ward 6, praised the Abilities team for remaining resolute in ensuring the survival of the organisation. (Staff at the institution have voluntarily gone for close to three years without a proper salary.)
She said, “I have been aware of Abilities’ plight for quite some time, though I must admit that I am appalled by the extent of deterioration that has occurred here, due to a situation not of their own making. It is truly commendable that people like you exist. Not many are able to show such high levels of dedication under the circumstances you had to endure.
It demonstrates the good sense of ownership that you have over your institution.” In reference to the community’s responsibility for Abilities, Cllr. Bent went on to say, “These are our people, this is our place and it is therefore our responsibility to ensure their survival.” Cllr. Bent resolved that together with her CAT, she would organise a clean-up of the institution’s premises.
She hoped that this would demonstrate resident’s commitment to assisting Abilities.
Above: Cllr. J. Bent (right) Abilities Manager, Francis Msendame (left), Assistant, Joy Armstrong (centre)