The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, in collaboration with the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), has handed over 75 pediatric wheelchairs to children with disabilities in Lusaka, North Western, Central, Northern and Copperbelt provinces.

Speaking when she handed over 10 wheelchairs to Bauleni Special School in Lusaka, Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, emphasized the vital role mobility plays in enabling children with special needs to access education and live fulfilling lives.

“Access to assistive devices is a fundamental right, yet only 20 percent of those who need them currently have access,” the Minister noted.

She announced that the government, with support from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will source for additional assistive devices by August this year for nationwide distribution, with Bauleni Special School to be among the recipients.

Ms. Mwamba also commended parents, religious organizations, and cooperating partners for their steadfast dedication to the welfare of children with special needs and further called for the inclusion of parents caring for such children in social protection programmes to alleviate the challenges they face.

Representing the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary, Trustee Sr. Yvonne Mwalula welcomed the donation, describing it as a testament to government’s commitment to the education and empowerment of children with disabilities and urged government to foster stronger stakeholder partnerships aimed at creating long-term support for children with special needs.

In a vote of thanks, a student Emmanuel Zimba, expressed gratitude for the wheelchairs which he said would greatly enhance learning experiences.