Community appeal: Abilities Welfare Organisation

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In June ZDDT.org reported on the plight of an organisation that should be employing up to 80 handicapped Zimbabweans.

Abilities was registered in 1974 as a welfare organisation. According to Article 3(a) of the Disabilities Constitution its objects are:

‘To combine in one body the promotion of the interests of the physically and mentally handicapped of all races, both male and female, of eighteen years or over.’

Particular reference is given to those adults for whom no additional provision is made by any other existing organization/institution concerned with the handicapped.

Abilities manager, Mr. Francis Musendami, is concerned with the current and future sustainability of the establishment.  He stated that: “Currently fifteen workers are employed at Abilities down from a previous figure of eighty.  Seventy nine prospective workers are on the waiting list.  In the last five years Abilities has not received any funding or assistance.”  Grants, provided by Government in the past, were cut in 2004 signaling the downward spiral.

As a consequence, manufacturing productivity has dropped thereby reducing the sales which sustain the facility and maintain the equipment.  This includes a Roller Machine, Jigsaw, Crayon Maker and other electronic tools. The current workforce, who on average has four dependants each, was last paid in December 2008.   

Some assistance is provided by Abilities Chairman, Mr. Malcolm Ross, who routinely supplies vegetables.  As much as the support is appreciated, the members at Abilities would like to restore the self-sufficiency of this Community facility once again!