IN January this year Maria Sibanda (14), was supposed to join her age mates in secondary school at Tokwana High, Bulilima District in Matabeleland South.
Instead, Maria is still in Grade 6.
Her story mirrors the unending woes of the girl child with disabilities, especially in rural areas.
Maria’s story is not just one of resilience and determination, but also a testament to the power of collective efforts in making dreams a reality.
Despite her blindness, Maria’s spirit remains unbroken. She has shown incredible perseverance, despite repeating her primary school years.
Her aspirations and dreams are simple yet profound.
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Her dreams were, however, shattered by the harsh realities of her condition and the limited resources available to her.
“Though I can’t see the world around me, I envision a future where my dreams shine brighter than any sight I have ever known,” Maria said.
“Every challenge I face is just another step towards becoming somebody I aspire to be.
“In a world painted with darkness, I strive to be the light that guides others through their struggles.
“Through resilience and determination, I’ll carve my own path, painting the canvas of my life with the colours of possibility.”
Her story took a turn for the better when she became a beneficiary of the Health Resilience Fund (HRF), a programme coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Child Care with financial contributions from the European Union.
Other funders include the governments of Ireland and the United Kingdom, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and technical support from UNFPA, UNICEF, and the WHO.
Maria will soon be enrolling at Jairos Jiri Centre with funding from HRF where she will receive the support and resources to accomplish her dreams
“While others may see my blindness as a limitation, I see it as a unique perspective that shapes my journey towards greatness,” she said.
“The support I have received is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter tomorrow.
“Though I may not see my reflection, I know that true beauty lies within the depths of my soul, waiting to be discovered by the world.”
Maria grew up in the care of her grandfather.
Her mother is in South Africa trying to make ends meet for the family back home.
Maria’s family was introduced to the HRF by a relative they only identified as MaSibanda.
“In her, I have found a friend with whom I can share my stories,” Maria said.
MaSibanda said Maria’s situation was a sad one because she kept repeating grades at school that the teachers failed to explain why until it was discovered later that she was visually impaired.
“She never got any help when she was young, they have been trying here and there but never got any help till now when I brought her here," she said.
“Even at school, she was repeating her grades hence she is still in Grade 6 at Tokwana Primary school.
“She has been surviving through the grace of God, because they delayed assisting her.”
It is said Maria’s family used to apply traditional medication on her, and it worsened her situation.
So far no surgical procedures can be done on her.
The medical health technician at Plumtree District Hospital Khuphulo Ncube said Maria's case exposed the need for special needs schools in the district.
“We have a serious challenge here, there are some children with disabilities, who need special schools,” Ncube said.
“For example for children with blindness or visual impairment, we have to look for faraway places in Bulawayo like Jairos Jiri Centre.”
Ncube highlighted the challenges that many children with disabilities and special needs face.
“Most of them have got problems because they don't know where to go and whom to approach to get assistance," he said.
“And then for those who might be at home, the problem is that they stay with their grandparents.
“Their parents will be in South Africa, maybe working.
For the grandmother to bring the child to the physiotherapy, at times it is very difficult because the grandmother is old.”
“However, all hope is not lost,” she said.
“We are carrying out awareness campaigns to sensitise our community about disabilities, on how they can live with people with disabilities, on how people with disabilities can benefit from health services...”