…Stakeholders at Ishe anesu Centre
By Bigboy Madzivanzira | Harare
GLEN VIEW– Isheanesu Centre, a Multipurpose Skills Training Centre for Children with Disabilities in Glen View, has made an urgent appeal for the construction of a durable perimeter wall to safeguard children and property at the facility.
This was revealed by Mr. Langton Chibvondo, Chairperson of the Isheanesu Centre Board, during an All Stakeholders Meeting held at the Centre on Thursday, 30 July 2026.
Council Land, Inclusion from the Start
Mr. Chibvondo revealed that Isheanesu’s land was donated by the City of Harare and is strategically located next to an ECD school.
“The location next to an ECD school was deliberate. It encourages inclusion by allowing children with disabilities to interact with children without disabilities from an early age,” Mr. Chibvondo said.
Strategic Shift: ECD, Skills, and Community Empowerment
The Board announced a major strategic shift for Isheanesu Centre beyond institutional care.
“Our focus is now on Early Childhood Disability Education. We are training mothers and young ladies about disabilities and care from pregnancy stages so we prevent complications and promote early intervention,” Mr. Chibvondo said.
He added that the Centre has also scaled up skills development initiatives for children and youth.
“We are equipping our children and youth with practical skills they can take back home into the community. Our goal is that they do not become idle. Through skills, social inclusion and empowerment, we are giving them dignity and a future,” he said.
Schools Already Practicing Inclusion
Mr Chatikobo Tichayana, Deputy Head of Glen View 4 Primary School, who attended the meeting, confirmed that his school is already having children with disabilities in attendance.
“We already have learners with disabilities at Glen View 4 Primary. We are doing our best to support them, but we need more partners like Isheanesu Centre to ensure they get the specialized skills and therapy they need. Inclusion is not just a policy, it is already happening in our classrooms,” Mr Tichayana said.
History Reflects Inclusivity and Honouring Founders
Vice Chairperson, Florence Chitiyo, read the history of the Centre during the meeting, emphasizing its roots in inclusivity and honouring the founders.
“The history of Isheanesu shows the sacrifice of parents who wanted a place of dignity for their children. We continue to honour their vision by keeping inclusion at the centre of everything we do,” Ms. Chitiyo said.
Supporting Transition for Graduating Children
Vice Secretary, Mai Mutwira, also presented on the Centre’s transition program.
“We are working on assisting children who are leaving the Centre. This will pave the way for other children to be engaged in our projects and ensure no child is left behind,” Mai Mutwira said.
From Parents’ Initiative to Registered PVO
Speaking at the same meeting, Centre General Manager, Mr. Jordan Kambarami, expressed gratitude to the parents who started the Centre.
“We are thankful for the parents’ initiative in starting the Centre. However, when government transformed the Centre into a PVO, it was not easy for parents to understand the benefits,” Mr. Kambarami said.
Mr. Chibvondo added that despite initial challenges, Isheanesu has now fully transitioned.
“Isheanesu means ‘God is with us’. Today we are proud that we have formally registered as a PVO and adopted a Child Safe Guiding Policy to ensure the safety and dignity of all children,” he said.
The Centre now operates two key programs: an Institutional Based Programme at Glen View where children receive skills training, therapy, and meals, and a Community Based Programme that involves home visits, caregiver training and referrals.
Finance: Resource Gaps and Funding Needs
The Board also presented the Centre’s financial position. While operations are running, funding remains inadequate to meet growing needs.
Key financial challenges cited include:
– Construction of the perimeter wall – the immediate priority for child safety
– Procurement of teaching aids and assistive devices for skills training and therapy
– Accessible infrastructure upgrades to meet disability standards
– Transport costs for community outreach and home visits
– Training materials for ECD and skills development programs
“As a registered PVO, we are now eligible for grants and partnerships. However, we need urgent support from government, corporates, NGOs and well-wishers to bridge these gaps. Transparent financial reporting is in place to account for every donation received,” Mr. Chibvondo said.
Church Leaders Call for Inclusion
Church Elder, Mr Garai Mucheke, who attended the meeting, urged congregations to take the lead in supporting children with disabilities.
“As the church, we have a God-given responsibility to protect the vulnerable. These children are made in the image of God and deserve a safe place to learn and grow. I call upon all churches in Glen View and beyond to partner with Isheanesu Centre and help build this wall. When we protect one child, we protect the future of our community,” Mr Mucheke said.
The Centre also paid tribute to its Patron, musician Leonard Zhakata, for his support through benefit shows which helped in the construction of a kitchen at the Centre.
Board Transparency and City Partnership
The meeting also highlighted the Board’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
“The transparency of the Board is seen in the incorporation of its Board Members. The inclusion of Mr. Mupingashato, who works for the City of Harare, is a great move that will strengthen our partnership with local authorities,” Mr. Chibvondo said.
Call for Religious Groups to Support Inclusion
CBR Programmes Coordinator, Wendy Banda, also addressed stakeholders and made a passionate appeal to religious groups and churches to play a bigger role in including persons with disabilities.
“We are asking churches and religious leaders to open their doors and hearts. Children and adults with disabilities must be included in church programs, schools and community activities. Inclusion starts in our places of worship,” Ms Banda said.
Skilled Board, Growing Impact
Mr. Chibvondo highlighted that the Board is made up of professionals in Medical Rehabilitation, Wheelchair and Supportive Seating, Special Needs Education, Caregiving, and Financial Literacy.
He also announced that the Board Secretary has been appointed by CBR Africa Network as the Zimbabwe Country Representative, a development he said will position Isheanesu to access regional best practices in Community Based Rehabilitation.
Biggest Challenge: Child Safety
Despite the progress, Mr. Chibvondo said the *lack of a secure perimeter wall* remains the Centre’s biggest challenge.
“The lack of a durable wall exposes our children to danger and puts our equipment and buildings at risk. This directly compromises our Child Safe Policy,” he stated.
Vision 2026: A Centre of Excellence
Isheanesu’s vision is to become a Safe and Secure Centre of Excellence for children with disabilities in Harare, and *a Hub for both Institutional and Community Based Rehabilitation Services.
In line with guidance from Patron Leonard Zhakata, the Board is now calling on government, NGOs, corporates, religious groups and well-wishers to partner with them.
“Our immediate priority is the construction of a durable perimeter wall. A safe child is a child who can learn. With God, with a skilled Board, and with you as partners, we can give our children the secure future they deserve,” Mr. Chibvondo concluded.
For partnerships and donations, contact:
Isheanesu Centre, Glen View, Harare
General Manager: Mr Jordan Kambarami – 0772 911 713
Media & Partnerships: Bigboy Madzivanzira – 0773 367 913 | healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bigboy Madzivanzira is the Founder and Director of Health Promotion Clinic Trust* and a CAN CBR Africa Network Zimbabwe Representative.
He is a multiskilled Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner registered with the Medical Rehabilitation Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe, Health Promotion Practitioner registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of Zimbabwe, Wheelchair and Supportive Seating Specialist accredited by International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, and a Freelance Journalist accredited by the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
Bigboy can be contacted on 0773 367 913