Mams organisation for disabled raises awareness with fun walk

Residents of Mamelodi were encouraged to allow people or children living with disabilities to become part of their community and make them feel safe.

They were told this during a Fun Walk awareness campaign organised by Mamelodi Association for People living with disability on Thursday.

Georginah Khoza of the association said the purpose of the event was to create awareness and let the community of Mamelodi know about the centre and its activities.

She said the campaign was in celebration of the International Day for persons living with disabilities.

The walk started at the centre and took the participants including parents of and children living with disabilities together with other stakeholders to HM Pitje stadium and back.

“We wanted to encourage parents to love their children and stop hiding them in their homes and bring them out to the centre.

“It is time they stop being ashamed of their family members who are living with disabilities,” she said.

The fun walk was also an awareness campaign about the rights of persons with disabilities.

Khoza said the walk also promotes fitness and encourages people with disability to live a healthy lifestyle.

She said the walk eradicates disability stigma.

“The centre provides safety for children living with disabilities in the absence of their parents and stops abuse against people living with disabilities,” she added.

“We have a workshop at the centre and bringing children to the centre will encourage and help them find their talent for handiwork and friends who will not judge them.”

The event was attended by Child Welfare Tshwane, Mamelodi Sassa, Department of Social Development, Msamu Aids Unit and Gauteng Consumer Affairs, who also shared information about their services.

Mamelodi Association for People living with disability is in Mamelodi West near Mthunzini primary school.

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