HOPE Resurrect Trust — an organisation dedicated to empowering the girl child and women with disabilities to be independent and contribute economically, recently — celebrated its decade of impact at a colourful event that was hosted by the Australian Embassy in Zimbabwe.
The organization is the brainchild of Florence Mudzingwa — a fearless, strong, and bold woman born with a disability who typifies and epitomizes the old English adage that disability does not mean inability. She holds a bachelor of science honours degree in Counselling on top of her qualifications in marketing and administration. She is also a certified life coach.
In October 2021, I profiled Mudzingwa following the historic launch of her semi-autobiographical piece Love Life the Art of Living Your Dreams — a captivating semi-autobiographical and inspirational narrative in which she uses her life experiences, employing courage, commitment, and determination to motivate and inspire those in adverse circumstances to dare their limitations and translate dreams into reality. The book walks the reader from her childhood to adulthood, sharing the life hurdles she had to jump over to be where she is today.
In her speech at the event, Mudzingwa stated that they had, since the organisation's inception a decade ago, invested a lot of their energy into advocacy work relating to the welfare of persons with disabilities and had over the years had anonymous partners donating wheelchairs and in turn aiding the impact of their work.
She added that it was important to educate young learners in particular those in pre-schools so that they learn to embrace disability at a younger age.
Their goal was anchored on promoting disability awareness and inclusion and that this could only be possible if children were taught about embracing disability at a tender age.
Sharon Kandemiri, a student at Midlands State University studying Bioscience and Technology and one of the beneficiaries of Hope Resurrect Trust’s initiatives paid a heartwarming gratitude and tribute. Kandemiri stated how she had been privileged to be part of the organisations journey in empowering young women born with disabilities.
“As we gather here to celebrate a decade of impact,I want to take a moment to appreciate the vision,dedication,and unwavering support that Hope Resurrect Trust has provided,not just to me but to countless other girls who have found hope,strength and a renewed sense of purpose," she said.
- Building Narratives: Florence Mudzingwa in historic book launch
- Building Narratives: Florence Mudzingwa in historic book launch
- Hope Resurrect Trust celebrates 10 years of impact
Keep Reading
Reflecting on my six-year journey with Hope Resurrect Trust, I am reminded of the transformative experiences that have shaped my life.
She paid tribute to Mudzingwa whom she described as a beacon of Hope, a catalyst for change and resilience thanks to her passion,determination and commitment to empowering the girl child with disabilities so as to aid in fulfilling their dreams.
Another beneficiary Emilia Micheals thanked Hope Resurrect Trust for empowering her and urged the Trust to continue assisting other persons born and living with disabilities.
Host of the celebrations Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Minoli Perera commended Mudzingwa for her work and vision in empowering people living with disabilities and stated that the Australian embassy remained a strong advocate for disability and inclusion which remained the cornerstone of their work.
She added that the Australian government was the chair of the UN Commission on People Living with Disabilities and was involved in quite a number of initiatives and remained committed to channeling resources aimed at empowering and uplifting persons living with disabilities.
Malawian ambassador to Zimbabwe Polepole urged Mudzingwa to continue with the spirit to fulfil her mission and stated how he was touched by Mudzingwa’s tenacity and commitment in championing for the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Businesswoman Zodwa Mkandla who also graced the event pledged to support the Trust by securing and donating electric wheelchairs and “prayed that there would be many Florences to carry on the work of empowering persons with disabilities”.Mkandla further challenged corporate partners such as CIMAS, who had partnered and graced the event to make a commitment in assisting Hope Resurrect Trust through electric wheelchairs.
In an emotional speech, Mudzingwa’s sister Catherine Morris challenged policy-makers to introduce duty-free goods for disabled people and narrated how she had encountered numerous difficulties in importing Mudzingwa’s electric wheelchair.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Canadian Embassy, the Senator for Persons Living with Disabilities Anna Shiri as well as Friends of the Hope Resurrect Trust.
Established and registered by the government of Zimbabwe on the 10th of January 2013, the objective of the Hope Resurrect Project is to give trust, confidence, and hope to the disabled community and in the process assisting them to be economically and socially empowered whilst making a difference in their communities.
It is Christopher Reeve who once observed that “a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” and Mudzingwa’s work through Hope Resurrect Trust is a true and resounding validation of this assertion.
- Fungayi Antony Sox is a Friend of The Hope Resurrect Trust. He writes in his personal capacity. For feedback contact him on 0776 030 949, connect with him on LinkedIn on Fungayi Antony Sox, or follow him on Twitter @AntonySox.
