Disability inclusive organizations join forces to empower communities through skills training

Kelvin Kutinyo

Nkomwa Foundation Trust recently partnered with Maggie’s Unique Designs to empower people with disabilities through beadwork skills training, fostering long-term economic independence and benefits.

The initiative aims to financially empower participants by connecting them with local businesses and retailers to sell beadwork products. It further seeks to establish relationships with potential funders through strategic networking at conferences, workshops, and events, ultimately securing support and donations to sustain the project.

Nkomwa Foundation Trust Director, Mr. Pick Nkomwa, praised the enthusiastic response from people demonstrating a positive attitude. He further urged parents to promote equality by granting their children equal opportunities and support.

“The project participants appreciated the skills development and as for the first time they managed to work out on a single product. The zeal among the youths is much commendable.”

“May I encourage parents and relatives to provide support to their children with disabilities. There is no need to hide your child. Every child has a gift, give them the opportunity for future independent lives,” he emphasized.

Nkomwa Foundation Trust is a Non Governmental organization based in Gwanda which champions the rights of people with disabilities in their social and economic development.

In another interview, the Director and Founder of Maggie’s Unique Designs, Maginess Ndlovu, emphasized that equipping people with disabilities with beadwork skills and knowledge will significantly contribute to their social and economic inclusion.

“Maggie’s Unique Designs has chosen to teach beadwork skills training for the marginalized groups with the objective for economic empowerment, skill development, social inclusion, cultural preservation, mental and emotional well-being.”

“The beading initiative to disabled people will last 5- 6 months, but we would like to engage a bond with these people afterwards by at least building strong partnerships through collaboration with local organizations, NGOs, community centers, or disability organizations to expand our reach and resources,” she said.

Her dedication and achievements have been recognized with awards for the best icon in community involvement and the best in art and craft, solidifying her position as a leading figure in the field. She also highlighted how Maggie’s Unique Designs has created a business transforming the lives of marginalized groups in the society through art designing.

“Maggie’s Unique Designs is a testament to the power of art and entrepreneurship to transform lives and communities. By promoting cultural heritage, empowering individuals, and creating economic opportunities, it has made a lasting impact on the Gwanda community and beyond,” she added.

The organization has a mandate to empower 21 marginalized youths with disabilities and their respective caregivers through intensive beading skills training in rural Beitbridge, Gwanda, and Umzingwane Districts. The broader plan includes stakeholder engagement and sourcing of raw materials to use during theoretical and practical training phases.