By Hellen Luwayo, Balaka
For years, Allan Musa watched other children walk to school while he remained at home.
The Standard 8 learner at Chembera Primary School in Balaka District has mobility challenges, making the daily journey to school difficult. Most days, he depended on his mother to carry him, something she could not manage regularly.
As a result, Allan frequently missed classes. But today, his journey to school is much easier. Through the Tikwaniritse ndi Kuteteza Maufulu a Ana (TIKUMA) project, Allan received a bicycle that now allows him to travel to school on his own.
Allan said the support has renewed his determination to succeed in school. The learner, who is writing his Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations this year, said he now believes his dream of becoming a leader one day is possible.
“I am now able to go to school on my own, and I am doing well in my studies,” he said.
His mother, Saina Alabi from Mbera Village, attested that the previous scenario made it difficult for Allan to attend classes consistently.
“I would like to thank NORAD through Save the Children for the TIKUMA project for buying my child a bicycle. May God bless them,” said Alabi.
Following the intervention, teachers at Chembera Primary School have also expressed confidence that learners with disabilities will perform well academically if they continue receiving such support.
Allan’s story is one of many emerging from the TIKUMA project in Balaka. Grace Gogoda, Project Officer for the Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi (PODCAM), said under the TIKUMA project in Balaka, they are working with 47 schools with funding from NORAD through Save the Children.
Gogoda said the project is also advising parents on the importance of encouraging children with disabilities to actively participate in education and other activities.
In addition, Patrick Nyerere, Project Officer for the Malawi Girl Guides Association (MAGGA), said the children’s corner initiative under the TIKUMA project in Traditional Authority Amidu has established nine children’s corners.
He explained that the initiative aims to help children report issues affecting them to relevant authorities.
The TIKUMA project is being implemented in Balaka and Mchinji districts, with funding from NORAD through Save the Children, and seeks to promote and protect children’s rights while ensuring that vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, are supported.
For Allan and many other children like him, the project is not just about mobility support. Each morning as he rides to school, it carries him closer to a future he once feared might be out of reach.
