Former MBTS spokesperson calls NGOs to support Mzudo

By Blessings Kaunda – Mana.

Former Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) Spokesperson, Alex Sakala has said an attempt to raise funds to improve functions of Mzuzu Disability Organization (MZUDO) has failed to reach the target.  

In an interview Wednesday, Sakala disclosed that in a bid to bail MZUDO out financial hiccups he decided to cycle from Mzuzu to Nkhata Bay on February 1, 2020 to raise money up to K 1 million, but to no avail.

“I bring to your attention that I did not raise enough money for MZUDO. The target was K1 million, but I only realized less than a quarter, a sad note to the initiative,” he pointed out.

Sakala said another fundraising activity would be held soon to meet the target so as to help MZUDO start operating its activities normally to boost livelihood of persons with disabilities.

“With the above shortfall, I find it necessary to continue requesting for assistance from Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) and individuals as I am planning to have another cycling activity from Mzuzu to Nkhata Bay on Sunday, March 1, 2020,” he appealed.

The Former Spokesperson thanked those that supported the initial cycling with money, clothes and prayers and therefore asked others to emulate the gesture so that MZUDO ably attains economic stability. 

Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA), Community Rehabilitation Officer for the North, Hilda Zimba said people with disabilities face a lot of challenges in life like lack of finances and skills, a situation that deny them self-reliance hence remain dormant in homes or resort to begging.

“People with disabilities have certain needs which require money to be addressed. Most of these people come from poor households which cannot afford to provide support. However, some of these people have special skills that can boost their livelihood that is why it is important for others to come in and help,” she said.

According to Zimba, MACOHA provide advisory role so that whatever they are doing should be of benefit to them. 

Sakala will do an activity known as cycling for a change on Sunday March 1, 2020 from Mzuzu to Nkhata Bay, a distance of 49.2 kilometres.

Mana/bk/cc/tha