Kasa Mwendo Self-Help Group at Masheheni

Michael Kushuru, a community health worker and Pastor, mobilised the caregivers of children with disabilities in his local area. George, the chairperson of the group has cerebral palsy. He moves around the community raising awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities. This group is interested in farming and livestock rearing. They meet regularly and contribute to shares and savings in the group. They draw on their saving to help pay for school fees and transport to clinical appointments for their children.

Efeni is a boy of 13 years. His grandmother cares for him, washing his clothes and preparing his meals. He can be sent to the shop and to graze the goats sometimes. His behaviour and distractibility present some challenges to the grandmother. The Kaza Mwendo group has helped the grandmother to take Efeni to a special school.

Emmanuel is 25 years old. He is cared for by the mother. He can carry water from the water source and can sometimes be sent to the shop. He can wash his own clothes and work independently at some tasks. He prefers to spend time on his own. The group makes sure the mother has food for her child.