Here’s a little more
About Us
Our story is that of perseverance and strive. The hub founders of ThisAbility Hub have lifelong experience of disability. Through this experience they came to a realization that despite the great work being done by the Zimbabwean Government and Non-Governmental Organizations towards empowering persons with disabilities, these individuals continue to live in extreme levels of poverty as a result of being excluded from the mainstream society.
The founders of ThisAbility Hub Zimbabwe postulate that stigma and discrimination against people with disability stems from lack of proper knowledge about disability, misinformation and socio-cultural beliefs. Across Africa in most societies people with disabilities are looked down upon due to their poor financial income and apparent low earning potential.
The Hub is an information dissemination and empowerment tool that broadly aims to bridge gaps that exist between people with disabilities and their non-disabled counterparts in Zimbabwe and Africa. It is envisioned that through information dissemination and empowerment of persons with disability, ThisAbility Hub will ultimately play a significant role in facilitating the true empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.
FOUNDERS OF THE HUB
Mr. Henry Kane
Mr Henry Kane is a Development Practitioner who is a Polio Survivor. He is a former National Development Coordinator Sport for Socialization (S4S), an organization he helped establish. It focuses on fostering social inclusion for persons with disabilities through sports. Currently Henry is a board member of Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (Z.I.M.C.O.D.D) a coalition of organizations which concentrations on social and economic empowerment of people in Zimbabwe, where he represents people with disabilities. Henry is also involved in Environmental Management work where he lobbies for the preservation of Wetlands in Zimbabwe.
Mr Tapiwa K. Tsikai
Mr Tapiwa K. Tsikai is a Psychologist by Profession. Tapiwa was born with a disability. He is passionate about formulation of Inclusive Policies, Self-Representation and Empowerment of People with Disabilities. Tapiwa has vast experience in the Disability Sector which dates back to when he was employed as Programmes Coordinator of the Young Voices Project. The Young Voices catalyzed the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (U.N.C.R.P.D) under Tapiwa’s leadership. Regionally Tapiwa served as Vice Secretary General of the African Youth with Disabilities Network, an Organization based in Nairobi Kenya. Currently Tapiwa is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism to enhance the Universal Accessibility of the Tourism Industry in Zimbabwe. He also sits on the board of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Zimbabwe (S.H.A.Z), a non-governmental organization for persons with Spina Bifida and or Hydrocephalus. Tapiwa is also a member of the National Disability Expo Organizing Committee. Tapiwa consistently uses mainstream and social media to raise awareness of disability issues in his own personal capacity.
Mr. Bright T Kadengu is a physically disabled gentleman. He has worked as a Public Relations Officer volunteer for Endless Possibilities; an organization that works towards inclusion of persons with disabilities. As a musician, Bright is a Disability Activist who uses his music to raise awareness of disability rights and the need for creation of opportunities for persons with disabilities. Through his music outfit Soul-bone Band. Bright has won several accolades including the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), 2010 music video of the year award. Bright has also worked with Tapiwa Tsikai in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism to enhance the Universal Accessibility of the Tourism Industry in Zimbabwe.
Mr. Bright T Kadengu
Ms Sikoshiwe Choto
Ms Sikoshiwe Choto is an Informal Trader with a Disability. She holds a Certificate in HIV/AIDS Counselling Specializing in Persons with Disabilities. She is the Founding Chairperson and Board Member of Disabled Informal Traders Association of Zimbabwe an organization that empowers Informal Traders with Disabilities through Enterprise Development and Formalization of the informal businesses. Sikoshiwe is also a mother of 2 children.
Ms Chipo Chimbwanda
Ms Chipo Chimbwanda is vibrant woman with a disability. A secretary by profession, Chipo worked as a School Bursar and subsequently as a Cashier before she eventually joined the informal sector where she is currently employed. Chipo was instrumental in the formation of the Disabled Informal Traders Association where she serves on the Board and is a Vice Chairperson of the National Executive Committee. She is also a mother of 2 lovely children.