Resilience Reaps Rewards

Resilience Reaps Rewards

Ms Nancy Mwakutireni is an Information & Communication Technology professional. As a child, Nancy loved solving common problems faced on a daily basis by society. As she grew older she realized that she had a passion for mathematics and other science related subject matter. As a little girl she made the decision not to let her disability limit her in terms of achievements. Upon completing her Advanced Levels and obtaining good passes she decided to enroll in university to study a science subject. Due to her good passes she was admitted into the Midlands State University’s Conventional Study Programme for Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Information and Communication Technology. Her primary motivation for studying this programme was to enable her to solve problems faced in everyday life by society through Information Technology.

Nancy then found herself in university where she had major obstacles that she needed to overcome. During her first year of study Nancy was denied the opportunity to attend many of lectures that are related to her area of study due to inaccessibility of lecture halls and computer labs which where upstairs which she could not access as she is a wheelchair user.

Nancy decided to approach the Disability Resource Centre of the university for assistance. Unfortunately, the resource centre was unable to effectively resolve her accessibility challenges. Undeterred, Ms Mwakutireni enlisted the assistance of her family. The family then swiftly responded through purchasing a state of the art Pentium IV (at that time) which was loaded with latest software and come with a brand new printer which enabled her to print her assignments with ease. Through support of her friends and lecturers she would receive notes and other related learning materials while in her room. Her computer was also loaded with the software that was being practiced during practical lessons. However, Nancy did not isolate herself in her room, she would attend the few lectures and group discussions that were accessible to her. Socially she would frequently attend Christian Union meetings as she is a devout Christian.

Time went by, and soon she found herself in work related learning which is commonly referred to as attachment. Nancy notes that her attachment experience was a huge learning curve for both her and the organization that had employed her because the organization had to make some environmental adjustments to enable her to work efficiently and effectively. Nancy notes that her attachment experience was particularly pleasant due to the positive attitudes of her workmates which she described as friendly and helpful.

Upon completion of her attachment, Nancy returned to university to complete her final year of study. When she returned to campus Nancy noted some pleasant changes; most of her lectures were now held on the ground floor which enabled her to attend them with her classmates. She noted with concern that all her practical lectures remained inaccessible to her as they were still being conducted on the second floor. Nevertheless, Nancy proceeded with her studies. Upon completion she attained a 2.1 degree class pass, becoming the first lady with a disability to graduate with an Honours Degree in Information and Communication Technology at Midlands State University.

Armed with her degree, Nancy then began the unnerving task of searching for employment. She noted that many would be employers would turn her down citing accessibility challenges. However, through much perseverance and determination Nancy managed to secure employment. She was engaged by the Government of Zimbabwe under the Ministry of Education where she is employed as a Specialist Teacher for Ordinary and Advanced Level students studying Information Technology. Nancy recently opened a consultancy firm that specialises in research work and online tutoring which is in line with the current trends given the Covid 19 pandemic. She operates her firm from her home town of Chitungwiza. She mentioned that some of her greatest moments of pride are when she sees her students excel at their final public examinations. Nancy recommended that all learning institutions should meet universal accessibility guidelines. She also recommended that all public and private organizations that employ people should have inclusive employment policies with specific quotas related to employment of people with disabilities. When she has spare time Nancy enjoys going for road trips where she drives her friends in her car.

Points to Ponder:

1. What can be done to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded equal access to education?
2. How can we improve on employment of persons with disabilities?
3. What is the greatest barrier that Nancy faced in acquiring education and employment?
4. How can these barriers be minimised?