First Lady invited to Tanzanian centre caring for the disabled
Tendai Rupapa in ARUSHA, Tanzania
Empowerment works being undertaken by Angel of Hope Foundation patron First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe are perpetually making waves across Africa and beyond, with organisations seeking to partner her.
The First Lady, who was in Tanzania for the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy for Africa, was invited to tour Sanaa, an arts training centre that empowers people with disabilities through art and craft with the purpose of giving back to the communities of Tanzania where she was left spellbound by various top-of-the-range goods and artefacts produced by the beneficiaries.
The centre actively follows Dr Mnangagwa’s programmes back home and expressed willingness to partner her Angel of Hope Foundation and set up a similar facility in Zimbabwe. Bringing to life an adage that says disability does not mean inability, all the employees at the centre have disabilities and profits realised from the sale of their products are channelled towards charity.
Projects at Sanaa dovetail with Amai Mnangagwa’s empowerment thrust as she has countless projects back home which are benefiting vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities.
Dr Mnangagwa marvelled at the array of top-of-the-line products produced at the centre which included tables, chairs, blankets, bed covers, table and bed runners, mats, baskets, chandeliers, jewellery, clothes, and bags among many others.
The centre boasts a glass-blowing area which recycles bottles and plastic making beautiful products like plates, water and wine glasses, mugs, jars, flower vases, and decorative accessories. Nearly 80 percent of their raw material is recycled.
The First Lady who is the country’s environmental patron, also has huge interests in recycling and sound waste management practices, the same is happening at Sanaa.
At every stage during the breathtaking tour, Dr Mnangagwa was taught how it is done and even took part in the beading of necklaces after being taught by one of the ladies who is wheelchair bound.
The general manager of Sanaa, Mrs Samantha Penalver Reid, was overjoyed to host the First Lady. She said it would be a great honour to work with the First Lady whom she described as a philanthropist par-excellence.
“We are very happy today we invited the First Lady of Zimbabwe to come and visit Sanaa, we are very appreciative because we already knew the great job that she is doing with the Angel of Hope Foundation in Zimbabwe.
“Today she came to visit what we are doing here where we employ and train people with disabilities. We are happy she liked our concept so much. We are looking forward to a collaboration between Angel of Hope Foundation and Sanaa which will be very good for people in Zimbabwe,” she said.
Ms Reid gave a brief about the organisation.
“Sanaa means art in Swahili and art is giving life. We say that Sanaa is giving life to the people who work here.
“The people who work here are people with disabilities whereas in Tanzania they don’t have many opportunities. They are all very talented in different areas, they are talented artisans. They get salaries and other benefits so that they can take care of themselves and their families. Nearly 80 percent of our raw material is recycled,” she said.
So touched was Dr Mnangagwa, that she immediately extended an invitation to Sanaa to visit Zimbabwe and explore areas of possible collaboration.
“First of all, I want to thank Sanaa for inviting me to come and see what they are doing here. I am very impressed by the work being done here by people with disabilities. They are coming up with all the goods that I have seen here. They are doing things that even some able-bodied people cannot do. Surely disability does not mean inability. I welcome their proposal to work with my Angel of Hope Foundation in Zimbabwe to set up a similar centre and also train the trainer. Africa is one and disability is everywhere. I want them to share with our people back home and if this set-up comes home, then all our people with different disabilities will pass through the same getting the training and go out to work,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa highlighted the benefits of establishing such a centre in Zimbabwe.
“This will help the vulnerable groups financially so that they look after themselves and their families. The collaboration between Sanaa and Angel of Hope Foundation will benefit not only the disabled but everyone who has a passion for arts and crafts. Even, I got some training today. It’s a training institution which trains everybody who has a passion regardless of how you look but you can take this and start your industry. Even the equipment that they use is locally made, which we can also do in Zimbabwe. So I am very impressed,” she said.
Workers at the centre were glad to share their stories and how they had benefited.
Mrs Mary Toroya said she was doing exceptionally well.
“I am a woman who has a disability and walks with the aid of a wheelchair and I am here at my workplace at Sanaa where we work as people with disabilities. This is a project for people with disabilities and they started this project to help us through.
“We were looked down upon in the communities since most disabled people cannot help themselves. However, I want to tell you that we have a good project that is teaching people to learn and work outside there.
“This institution is involved in the collection of bottles which we recycle to clean the environment. This is our industry and we are hard workers,” she said with a broad smile.
Mr Muna Ibrahim echoed similar sentiments. “Sanaa has given people with disabilities opportunities to work and sustain themselves and people are marvelling at the change as we can now work and do something different. People with disability are now just like other people out there,” he said. – Herald