Walezi Wa Watoto Walemavu Self-Help Group at Matanomane

Mobilised by a community health workers group, the caregivers used to meet at the local health dispensary. The group became inactive because of tensions between some of the members. Recently, they restarted their meetings at the homestead of a member with many new members. They are working together well and have bought some chairs to hire out for community events. They want to grow their business to include large tents, many more chairs and cooking pots and utensils. The group has some associate members – people who are not caregivers but have skills to offer the group. Some also live with disabilities themselves.

Kadzo is 18 years old. She is slow to grasp things and has some vision problems. She no longer goes to school. She can take care of herself with some support from her mother. She likes to do some simple sewing tasks. She was excited to received money from the group to pay for a new dress and shoes.

Grace is 7 ½ years old and has a twin sister. She has mobility problems but can walk with some difficulty. The father abandoned the mother and her children upon learning of Grace’s disability. The mother looks after her children well and cooks cakes and sells them locally. Recently remarried, her husband gives support. She wants Grace to attend a special school but is struggling to find the money necessary.