cbm Empowers Tanzania Widow with Independence

Stouffville, ON, May 7, 2010 – As a mother of six daughters and five grandchildren, Mwaniadi longed for her independence - not to get away from her family, but to become a contributing member, rather than a dependant.

Blinded by glaucoma for nearly 15 years, the 58-year-old widow wanted to do things by herself and help earn an income for the family.

Losing her sight was a slow, but dramatic life-changing process.

“At first I noticed everything becoming darker. I was seeing shadows and there was a discharge from my eyes. But I just kept being referred here and there. And then it was too late for anything to be done,” she says.

cbm’s partner, Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation In Tanzania (CCBRT), found Mwanaidi and began giving her weekly training in orientation and mobility techniques to help her cope with loss of vision, and enable her to continue daily activities.

Over the last few months, with the help of CCBRT, she has learned many skills she thought were lost to her along with her vision. Now, she is working alongside her family members selling charcoal and baskets.

Mwaniadi has learned how to make a walking cane from branches and has been shown to use it properly. She can now fetch and carry water from the water hole a few kilometres away, and frequently visits her friends by herself.

“I used to have to rely on the children to help me around, but I didn’t like being a burden and feeling so dependent on them,” recalls Mwanaidi.

“Now, I can get around by myself which is much better. I can also make baskets which I sell for 7,000 shillings (around $5) each. I like being able to pay my way and contribute to the family.”

CCBRT has also taught Mwanaidi how to grow cassava (an edible rootstock) and mchicha (Spinach) to help feed the family.

“It’s too dry right now to plant anything, but I can tell by touch which are good seeds and which are not. I can plant them and water the seeds by myself. I can do everything a real farmer can do.”

Mwanaidi is just one of the hundreds of cbm clients in Dar es Salaam who have been empowered by orientation and mobility training.

Are you looking for meaningful gifts for Mother’s Day or birthdays? cbm has the perfect solution for any occasion. Garden kits and gifts of sight are examples of how you can help break the cycle of poverty and disability by giving a gift that gives joy and empowerment here and far away - www.givejoy.ca.