16 Dec 2021

Elephant Haven Wildlife Foundation has donated 270 wheelchairs to Ngami District Health Management Team (DHMT) to be distributed to needy patients.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony recently, the foundation’s founder, Mr Boago Poloko said the  aim was to restore hope, mobility and independence of patients living with disability.

Mr Poloko stated that the foundation’s efforts were in line with the national policy on caring for people living with disabilities.

The policy, he said, detailed the role of various different stakeholders such as government, private sector, non-governmental organisations and community leaders.

DHMT coordinator, Dr Sandra Maripe-Ebutswe said the donation  would make a huge difference in the lives of beneficiaries.

She said the wheelchair was one of the most commonly used assistive devices to promote mobility and enhance quality of life for people who had difficulties in walking.

Every single wheelchair provided the priceless gift of mobility, freedom and dignity not only to the recipient but to the entire community and caregivers, she said.

Dr Maripe-Ebutswe also said the wheelchairs would open up opportunities  for the users to study, work, engage in social activities and access services such as health care.

“We often take the ability to move in our home and community for granted but for individuals with a disability or mobility impairments even the smallest step can prevent them from accessing all parts of their life,” she said.

She added that being mobile enhanced a person’s ability to learn, interact with others, earn a living and participate in the community.

The donation was made possible by Wheelchair Foundation,  a non-profit organisation leading international efforts to create awareness on the needs and abilities of people living with physical disabilities.

Its aims are  to promote the joy of giving, create a global friendship and to deliver a wheelchair to every child and adult who needs but can not afford one. Ends