At King George IV School of the Disabled in Bulawayo, 17-year-old Munashe Chikuvanyanga, a Form 1 student, is taking a final examination in mathematics.
Munashe writes in his exercise book with his feet. A physical disability prevents him from writing with his hands.
The teacher expects him to complete the exercise in the same amount of time allotted for all students for the test because Munashe insists on not being given special treatment.
“I don’t like being treated differently because I am disabled,” says Munashe.
Because of more than a decade of socioeconomic challenges, many children living with disabilities in Zimbabwe are among the most marginalized and excluded groups of children. Compared to their peers, they are less likely to access health, education and other social services. They are often excluded from opportunities to participate fully in their communities, and are more vulnerable to violence and abuse.
On 3 December, Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Observed since 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the rights, dignity and well-being of persons with disabilities. This year, the theme was ‘Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all’.
Writing on a piece of paper, Munashe explains that, born with this disability, he was trained at a young age by teachers at King George IV School to write with his feet after physiotherapy had failed. His parents had brought him all the way from Zvimba to Bulawayo so he could have a chance at an education. Munashe boards at the school and spends holidays at his home area in Zvimba.
“I thank my parents for bringing me here. I have a chance to learn. I want to be an accountant when I grow up.” But, despite Munashe’s opportunities, there are still limited prospects in the country for people living with disabilities.
UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Gianni Murzi said: “There is need for greater efforts to ensure children with disabilities have access to basic social services and protection to enable them to realize their full potential. It is the sheer determination and drive to succeed by children like Munashe that should inspire us all to strive for a better life for those living with disability. We must therefore do more.”