by Bridget Mukwena
A Call is being made by Ms Chantelle Shangare the Founder and Managing Director of Mothers of Special Heroes MOSH a Non Governmental organization for government , well wishers, private sector, corporates to Support initiatives towards children living with Celebral Palsy in Zimbabwe as her organization commemorates Celebral Palsy Month. Her organization advocates for children living with Neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism and Celebral Palsy. The month of March is dedicated as the month for raising awareness on Celebral Palsy.
Every year, Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a child, a family, and a story that deserves dignity, support, and opportunity.
Cerebral palsy is not just a medical condition—it is a lifelong journey that requires understanding, inclusion, and collective responsibility.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect movement, posture, and muscle coordination due to damage to the developing brain, often before or during birth.
It is the most common physical disability in childhood, affecting millions of children globally.
Children with cerebral palsy may experience:
Difficulty with movement and coordination, muscle stiffness (spasticity) or floppiness. Children with the condition have speech, feeding, and balance. They also have associated conditions
such as epilepsy, hearing or visual impairments .
Celebral Palsy has no cure, early intervention, therapy, and inclusive environments can significantly improve quality of life for these children.
The Zimbabwean Reality
In Zimbabwe, thousands of children live with cerebral palsy—yet many remain invisible, unsupported, and excluded. Families often face Stigma and discrimination, limited access to diagnosis and therapy, financial
burden of care, lack of lnclusive Education systems. Many caregivers, mother’s and guidians of these children walk the journey in silence.
This is why advocacy is no longer optional—it is urgent.
The MOSH Zimbabwe Mission
At MOSH Zimbabwe (Mothers of Special Heroes), it’s a voice for the voiceless and their families. We represent millions of unheard voices across Zimbabwe affected by neurodevelopmental conditions, including cerebral palsy
The organization’s mission is simple but powerful.
To build inclusive schools and communities, transform systems, and restore dignity and empathy.
Impact & Awareness Initiatives of MOSH
During this Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, MOSH Zimbabwe is leading transformative efforts:
1. National Awareness Campaigns
The organization is being a voice on cerebral palsy across communities, churches, schools, and media platforms—breaking stigma and educating society.
2. Community Engagement & Family Support
Outreach programs are being carried out, we are empowering parents, caregivers and guidians with knowledge, emotional support, and practical tools.
3. School & Institutional Advocacy
MOSH Zimbabwe is working with private schools, ECCD centres, and institutions to:
Promote inclusive education
Train educators on neurodevelopmental conditions.
Position schools as neurodiverse-friendly environments.
4. Strategic Partnerships
The organization is engaging with government
stakeholders , Faith based
organisations, corporate partners to build a national movement for inclusion and accessibility.
5. High-Level Advocacy
The organization spearheads for National Recognition
of neurodevelopmental conditions.
Policy inclusion
Appointment of leadership roles that champion disability inclusion at the highest level.
Why This Matters Now
Cerebral palsy is not progressive, but the impact of neglect is.
When we fail to act, children are denied education.
Families are pushed into poverty. A nation loses potential.
But when we act children
thrive, families are empowered. Zimbabwe becomes a leader in inclusion.
A National Call
March month is not just about awareness—it is about action. The founder is calling upon Government
to prioritize disability inclusion. Schools
to open their doors to every child. Churches to become safe and inclusive spaces for children with disabilities. Corporate to invest in
transformative social impact. Communities
to replace stigma with support.
MOSH Zimbabwe, believes every child regardless of ability deserves a future filled with opportunity, dignity, and belonging. Celebral
Palsy does not define a child’s potential. But society’s response does.
Let this be the month Zimbabwe chooses inclusion.
