Learn what inclusion means in Zimbabwe. Discover simple daily acts of kindness that build stronger communities. Read real examples, Shona phrases, and statistics. From www.lains.co.zw.
What does inclusion really look like in Zimbabwe? LAINS explores how building inclusive communities through small acts of kindness creates stronger, kinder neighbourhoods for everyone.
Have you ever felt left out? Maybe you moved to a new neighborhood in the capital city Harare or perhaps you were the only one who did not know the game the other children were playing. That feeling is not nice at all beacuse of loniliness. Now imagine feeling that way every single day of your life. That is why inclusion is so important. Inclusion and disability in Zimbabwe starts with one greeting, one ramp, and one seat at the table.
In our neighborhoods, even at school, or even at work we meet many different people. Some people are young whilst some are old. There are people who might have a disability while others do not have at all. At times we feel different from those people around us but honestly here is the naked truth being different is a good thing. At www.lains.co.zw we believe in that strongly with a lot of passion. For a community to be strong, everyone needs to feel like they belong to that sense of belonging. Whem you have that feeling that is what is called inclusion in its sense. Communities need to be mindful of this and should embarce it very well.
Shona people have this saying “Mumwe mwana anotsvaka rupo.” which literally means, “Every child asks for a place to belong.” No one wants to stand outside looking in and have this feeling of bein an outsider we all want a seat at the table where everyone s enjoying the meal or sharing stories
Inclusion is not just about letting someone be present where others are not at all. It is about inviting them in to be part of others or to be part of the process. In essence it is about listening to their voice showing that their views matters as well thus making sure they have what they need to join fully. Building inclusive communities in Africa means making sure no one young, old, or disabled is left behind.
Think about a classroom in Njube Bulawayo. A girl named Tendai uses a wheelchair due to her disability. Inclusion in such ascenario means the school builds a small ramp so she can enter the classroom without any challenges. It does not stop there the teacher also asks Tendai to lead a group activity as a means of ensuring she is part of the whole class and is treated that way. Her friends wait for her when she moves slowly in her wheelchair on their way back home.
Another example is a church in Mutare' Chikanga suburb. An elderly man named Sekuru Mbire cannot hear well. Someone should sit next to him and speaks clearly ensuring that she follows the sermons and also sings when the whole cngregation does. In the spirit of inclusion it means the church buys a small microphone Sekuru then feels welcome not like a burden meaninh he will enjoy going to church evdery sunday.
Inclusion ideally helps everyone in the society. When we include others we learn new things and we become good at the same time kinder. Our community becomes a bigger table where there is room for all.
According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability. Doing the math shows that this is over one billion people. In Zimbabwe, that means hundreds of thousands of our neighbours, classmates, and coworkers live with disability. The disappointing part is that many of them feel excluded each and every day of theit lives. “Ruregerero haruwanikwi.” (forgiveness is not easily found) always says a lot of the older generation. We can however change that and make the world a truly better place. We can choose to be kind before an apology is ever needed just like we can choose to include before someone has to ask.
Imagine you are at a community gathering in Chitungwiza at some event and you see a young woman sitting alone on a bench. She has a walking stick because she has a physical disability. Other people walk past her as if they dont notice her. Community belonging and kindness are not big projects they begin with saying hello to someone who feels invisible. This does not mean being rude but just busy talking to their friends and laughing. Surely they can be different or be more human.The best is to walk over to her smile and Say, “Hello, how are you today?” That small greeting can change her whole day. She feels seen and she feels like a human being again. That simple "hello" costs you nothing but to someone who feels invisible, it means everything.
There is power in words so we should choose them very carefully. Some words hurt without us even knowing. For example, instead of saying “a disabled person,” say “a person living with a disability.” See the difference? You see the person first not their condition. You should see their humanity first before everythig else. Here is another example. Do not say “he is suffering from a disability.” Many people live full happy lives with disabilities. They are not suffering. They are just living. Say instead, “he has a physical condition.” or simply, “he uses a wheelchair.” That is respectful/accommodating. That is kind. A famous quote to remember all the time “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” from Rudyard Kipling. So use your words like medicine, not poison.
Sometimes we meet people who communicate differently. They might take longer to answer a question due to stummering. Some might be using sign language that you do not understand as this normally need training. Other times, someone walks slowly because of arthritis or a leg injury. You see them you think either they are lazy. Patience is virtue a form of love in itself. You should give them the time they need. Do not finish their sentences beacuse you feel they are taking too long. Do not tap your foot as a sign of losing patience. Just wait. While you wait, look into their eyes as a matter of reassurance whilst smiling. That patience tells them, “You matter. You are not a bother.” I remember a story from Gweru where a young boy named Tafadzwa had a speech problem In class his teacher always rushed him. Other children laughed their lungs out at Tafadzwa. One day a new teacher came. She said, “Tafadzwa, take all the time you need.” She waited the class also waited. When Tafadzwa finally spoke all the children clapped. That teacher changed his life and thereafter he started raising his hand more often.
Every person has a story to tell of whatever nature. But the issue here is that that story is different from yours. When you meet someone from a different background do not just wait for your turn to talk. You should really listen attentively. Ask questions. Say, “Tell me more about that.”
Listening helps us understand each other at all times. It breaks down fear It builds friendship rather than animosity. You might learn something that changes how you see the world. This can change the way you perceive the world.
Small acts of kindness spread like ripples in a pond. This is when you throw one stone, and the circles go far. Imagine a child with a disability being included in a soccer game at school. At first the other children are not sure of what to do and how to handle him. It only takes one child to say, “Come on, you can be the goalkeeper.” That child with a disability feels happy and confident very ready to showcase his skills. That confidence helps them try harder in class as well. Meanwhile the other children learn kindness acts of goodness. They learn empathy thus putting oneself in someone's shoes. They grow up to be adults who are responsible and include others. Years later that same child might get a good job at a very big company. When that happens they will always think of how they were treated when growing up They will start a family and normally they might help their community. All because one person said, “You can play too.”
That small act of inclusion changes the future for everyone involved. Do not ever think your small kindness does not matter. It matters more than you know. Mankind has a duty to ensure that everyone everywhere is treated the same.
The International Labour Organization reports that people with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as people without disabilities. In Zimbabwe, this is true in both cities and villages although this is changing rapidly as a result of government interventions. Corporate companies should include everyone which is equal opprtunity and if they do that they will do better. Studies show that inclusive teams are more creative and solve problems faster with effectiveness as well as efficiency. Also children who feel included at school are 50% more likely to stay in school until they finish Form 4. This makes a huge difference.
Here at Lains we are part of this community. We are not some faraway organisation but we are based in Zimbabwe. We want a Zimbabwe where everyone has a fair chance in terms of education. We believe that our communities are stronger when we support one another no matter our differences in terms of disability.
Inclusion starts with you and me as we are all equal before the eyes of God. It starts with a choice to open the door a little wider. Even small acts such as a greeting or a patient moment as well as a kind word.
We have written other articles on this topic. You can read more about community building on our blog page. For global perspectives on inclusion, visit the World Health Organization’s disability page.
There is power in numbers you do not have to be a leader. You also dont have to be rich or powerful person with lots of money. All you need is just to have care. Say hello to someone new today a person you are meeting for the first time. Wait for someone who moves slowlythat way you make their day. Use words that have a healing effect and not words that hurt. When everyone have a sense of belonging the whole community inturn grows. The table therefore gets even bigger. The result is more food, more laughter, more ideas, more love for everyone.
Let us work together as all of us have a part to play building communities that are kind and welcoming to all. Because a village that includes everyone is a community that thrives.
This article was written by the Lains Team, whose mandate is to promote inclusive community development. Sustainable progress happens when everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute to community life. We believe in Zimbabwe. We believe in you.
