By Mike Mataka:
At Kapiri Primary School in Dedza District, the sight of children confidently riding wheelchairs, moving freely and interacting with others paints a picture of transformation and hope.
At the heart of this change is Chifundo Nawosa Zakeyu, a special needs teacher whose passion has become a lifeline for children with disabilities.
Zakeyu joined Kapiri Primary School in September 2023, fresh from his special needs training. He was entrusted with 21 learners, each with unique challenges but a shared desire to learn.
However, conditions were far from ideal.
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The school, lacking adequate resources, left Zakeyu with the task of literally shouldering much of the burden.
He often found himself carrying some of the children to the toilet or even to their homes when their parents could, for one reason or another, not pick them up.
“It was heartbreaking to see them struggle every day but giving up was never an option,” Zakeyu recalled, determination evident in his voice.
His dedication did not go unnoticed.
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World Vision Malawi, through its ‘Able to Thrive’ Project, recognised Zakeyu’s efforts and stepped in to support the children.
The project, which is premised on transforming the lives of 10,000 children with disabilities across five districts by 2027, has been focusing on education, healthcare and community inclusion.
Partnering with the Malawi Council for the Handicapped and Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (Fedoma), World Vision Malawi has been providing crucial resources to schools such as Kapiri.
The arrival of two wheelchairs at Kapiri Primary was a turning point.
For the first time, the children could move around independently, reducing the strain on Zakeyu and boosting their confidence.
“I am truly grateful to World Vision Malawi for their support. The bicycles have not only eased my burden but have also given the children a new sense of independence.
“Now they can arrive at school on time and interact more freely with other learners,” Zakeyu pointed out.
The change was immediate and profound. Children who previously struggled to attend school regularly were now arriving on time and more eager to learn.
This newfound freedom also inspired other parents of disabled children in the community to consider enrolling them at Kapiri Primary.
“The bicycles have given parents hope that their children can have a better future. I have seen more parents coming forward, asking how their children can enrol in school. This is because they can see the support available,” Zakeyu explained.
Despite the progress made so far, challenges remain.
Zakeyu is quick to acknowledge that while the bicycles have made a significant difference in the lives of the children, many of his learners still lack essential resources.
“We are still in need of hearing aids for some children and support for those who are visually impaired. If we can get more help, these children can achieve even greater things,” he said
The impact of World Vision Malawi’s project stretches beyond Dedza.
In Kasungu District, at Chilanga School for the Blind, the provision of reading and learning materials has been a game changer. The school received obit readers devices loaded with textbooks that have lightened the burden of carrying multiple and heavy Braille books.
For Simion Jekabu, a bright learner at Chilanga, the obit reader has transformed his learning experience.
“Before, I had to carry heavy Braille books to class and it was exhausting. Now everything I need is in one device. I can read faster, learn more and I don’t feel left behind.” Simion said, his fingers gently tracing the device’s buttons.
The impact on his academic performance has been nothing short of remarkable, such that his teacher echoes the sentiments.
“I used to score around 40 percent in class, but now my scores are above 90 percent. These materials have revitalised my dreams and those of many other learners here; it’s not just about making learning easier for us, it’s about being given a chance to compete equally,” Simion added.
World Vision Malawi’s ‘Able to Thrive’ Project has already started bridging the gap for children with disabilities.
The organisation’s plan—that is, to reach 10,000 children by 2027—is ambitious but increasingly attainable, especially given the results at Kapiri and Chilanga.
For teachers like Zakeyu, this support is both timely and vital.
“My dream is to see all my learners achieve their goals without being limited by their disabilities, and with the right support, I believe they can do anything,” Zakeyu emphasised
As the ‘Able to Thrive’ Project continues to make an impact across all five districts—Dowa, Ntchisi, Kasungu, Dedza, and Mzimba—the stories of Kapiri and Chilanga serve as powerful testaments to what can be achieved when community members, educators and organisations come together.
In a country where children with disabilities often face insurmountable challenges, the project is not just an intervention; it is a beacon of hope.
For now, Zakeyu continues to teach, motivate and advocate for his learners’ access to quality education and related services, fuelled by the smiles of children who are finally beginning to see a world full of possibilities.
