Project gives hope to children with disabilities in Mchinji

Community members in traditional authorities (T/As) Dambe and Mduwa in Mchinji District have commended Tikwaniritse ndi Kuteteza ma Ufulu a Ana (Tikuma) project for transforming lives of children with disabilities. The project seeks to ensure that all children enjoy their right to education and protection by 2028, supported by a strong government and community framework. Lyson Paul, father of 17-year-old Elita Lyson from Traditional Authority (T/A) Mduwa, shared how the project, through the Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi (Podcam), helped restore her daughter’s sight.

He recalled the struggles his family faced when Elita lost her sight to cataract at the age of three and later developed epilepsy that caused moderate paralysis in her hand and legs. Said Paul: “After she went blind, we took her to Mchinji District Hospital, where she was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital. Unfortunately, we could not go due to lack of transport.

Chimwankhuku Primary School Standard Six teacher Wilson Trust Nyongo said school management noted Elita’s challenges and took action to support her academic success. Podcam project officer Chikondi Chitaukali said the project is screening learners with disabilities to identify those who require further interventions. She said: “Through this project, we have referred 27 children for corrective surgeries, including seven for tympanoplasty [hearing challenges], 12 for vision surgeries [cataracts and other visual impairments] and eight for orthopaedic surgeries [mobility challenges]. “We have also procured and distributed assistive devices such as eyeglasses, wheelchairs, hearing aids, chairs, rollators, crutches and prosthetics to help the children.”