Elina Sialubono, 56, a member of the Tusumpulane Self-Help Group in Lukonde Ward, Gwembe District, has experienced a remarkable transformation thanks to a community project promoting inclusion and empowerment. Living with her grandchildren and managing a physical disability, Elina recalls the days when interacting with the community felt impossible.
“Before the project started, it was very difficult for me to come out and talk to other people,” Elina explains. “Persons with disabilities were not given the chance to participate in community activities. I often felt invisible.”
Today, the story is very different. Through the knowledge and training provided by the project, Elina is now able to stand, engage confidently with her neighbors, and actively participate in community life. She is also a member of a savings group, which has allowed her to save and contribute to her household’s well-being. “Being part of the savings group has changed my life and the life of my family,” she said proudly.
The project has also influenced broader community attitudes. Traditional leaders now ensure that all gatherings are inclusive of persons with disabilities. “The change is visible,” Elina notes. “Our wish is for everyone to understand that persons with disabilities can also contribute to the growth of the community.”
Grateful for the opportunities she has received, Elina emphasizes the personal impact of the project: “This project has helped shape who I am today. I hope it reaches many more persons with disabilities in the district, so they too can gain knowledge, confidence, and a voice in their communities.”
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