Vision Ability Zimbabwe is a disability inclusive organization with a vision of creating an inclusive society where people with disabilities are empowered to participate in mainstream activities and I as a person with a disability can truly testify to this. Coming onboard to join the organization as a Project Officer a month and a half ago has been nothing short of a fulfilling experience. Having been out of the disability sector for a number of years, I was quite curious as to what my experience will be like at the organization. From the very first conversation with the Director, I knew that this was an organization where I would learn a lot and flourish because of the director’s genuine passion for empowering people with disabilities. This is evident in the way she is so keen to not only teach me the ropes but is also quite open minded to hear my opinions.
The first outreach I fully participated at was on April 12 2025 in Zimre Park. From the moment we arrived, we were all hands on with the set up and of course the unsaid expectation was that I could assist where I was physically able to do so. I particularly liked how patient my colleagues were with my million questions about how to set up the different tables as well as guide me on how to serve clients at the outreach. Having briefly participated at the previous outreach at my local shopping centre, gave me a glimpse into the work we do at outreach events so when I was entrusted with setting up the registration desk, I felt a moment of pride. Throughout the day, the Director kept encouraging me to move around the different tables in order to learn the work we do and how to serve clients at outreach events. I have to highlight the importance of this because it is not everyday you meet a director of an organization who is keen for an employee with a disability to learn everything about the organisation’s work. This greatly touched me because a few years ago I went for a job interview that I was fully qualified for only to be told by the interviewer “it would be unethical to employ you as a disabled person” this only after asking me two questions. Every individual regardless of their physical capabilities deserves to be treated with dignity and I can confidently state that I am treated with dignity at VAZ.
Being a part of Vision Ability Zimbabwe has enlightened me into the importance of eye health. I have to admit that as a person with a physical disability, I have never paid much attention to visual impairments, let alone the impact of not having the correct eye devices for school children, or the reduced quality of life and income generating potential for individuals who do not have access to eye devices. Simply put, having perfect vision is a privilege I had never considered prior to joining VAZ. I had no idea how expensive prescribed spectacles are, the negative impact of not having access to prescribed spectacles particularly for school children and how sometimes it can be a luxury to afford prescribed spectacles. In just a month and a half, my perspective on eye health is positively changing.
I feel incredibly proud to be part of an organization that truly lives up to its mandate of being committed to promoting the dignity, respect and equality of people with disabilities and I am incredibly excited for the life changing work we are going to achieve, acquisition of new skills and the personal growth.
Sincerely,
Colleen Chifamba