New Mounts Sought for Zimbabwe’s Disabled

The Zimbabwe Red Cross has launched an appeal for donkeys to replace wheelchairs used by disabled people in the countryside.

“What is the point of giving a disabled person a wheelchair in the rural areas where you know it’s unnavigable and long distances are involved?” spokesman Victor Chitongo asked.

“A donkey has been found to be suitable because it’s unlike a wheelchair which needs repairs,” he said. “It feeds while the user is in class.”

Chitongo said the society is willing to pay about $15 for each donkey, about a tenth the cost of a wheelchair.