Minister of Gender, Children Disability and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati, has thanked Airtel Malawi for donating K2.5 million which was used to buy assistive devices to people with disabilities.
Kaliati made the remarks in Lilongwe on Friday during the presentation ceremony of crutches, wheelchairs and tricycles which were donated to people with disabilities through the Malawi Council for the Handicapped (Macoha).
“Let me acknowledge the support that Airtel Malawi has provided to enable the Department of Disability and Elderly Affairs to procure the devices. As government, we always appreciate the support that the corporate world renders to us in developing this nation. This support will go a long way in promoting independency and dignified living among persons with disabilities across the country,” Kaliati said.
She however warned the beneficiaries not to abuse or misuse the devices.
“May I take this opportunity to remind the beneficiaries to use the devices for the intended purpose of mobility enhancement towards the achievement of self-independence and hence become productive members of society. I shall not take compassion to cases of abuse or misuse of these assistive devices which are being provided at a great cost,” Kaliati said.
Airtel’s Chief Commercial Officer, Charles Kamoto said the donation was made to underline the company’s commitment to contributing to social welfare of the physically challenged.
“At Airtel, we believe there is no meaning to life if we do not share and if the underprivileged are ignored. It makes little business sense if we do not give back to the community. Realising this and further deepening our partnership with the ministry, Airtel donated K2.5 million to the ministry in order to use the funds to purchase various assistive devices for the physically challenged,” Kamoto said.
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