For nine-year-old Faith Mazengera of Chilunga Village in Zomba, going to school has long meant one painful thing, being carried on her mother’s back.
Faith, who has a physical disability, has struggled to attend classes at Mchengawedi Primary School because she did not have a wheelchair.
Her mother, Lonely Mazengera, says carrying her daughter to school every day has been a difficult experience.
“Taking her to school has not been easy. I have been carrying her on my back, and sometimes it has been very difficult for me. I have always wished to see her going to school on her own like other children,” Mazengera said.
The burden that followed the young learner to school has now been lifted.
James Kajawo, Director at One for Technical College, has donated a wheelchair to Faith, giving her a chance to move to and from school with greater independence.
Kajawo handed over the wheelchair to Faith at Mchengawedi Primary School on Tuesday after learning about the challenges she was facing.
Kajawo said he was moved by Faith’s determination to continue with her education despite her physical challenges.
“I thought about how difficult it must be for this young girl to depend on her mother every day just to go to school. I felt that I could do something to change her situation, and that is why I decided to support her with a wheelchair,” Kajawo said.
The donation has brought relief to Faith and her mother, who can now look forward to a more dignified school journey for the young learner.
For Mazengera, the wheelchair is more than just mobility support. It is the fulfilment of a dream she has carried for her daughter.
“It has been my dream to see my child have a wheelchair so that she can go to school without being carried. I have reached out to so many people in Zomba Malosa, including some top politicians, but they failed to help me,” she said.
Mazengera said Kajawo’s intervention had renewed her hope.
“Now I have seen God working through you. I thank God because someone has finally heard my cry and helped my child. This wheelchair will make a big difference in her life,” she said.
