By Lucinda Kerschensteiner | Director
The Shonaquip approach includes partnering with local country seating practitioners (when these skills exist in the partner country) to ensure context-appropriate interactions while building local capacity. Our team of trainers include International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) and Wolrd Health Organization (WHO0 certified trainers, and wheelchair seating practitioners. Our team of specialist wheelchair seating practitioners and trainers have extensive knowledge and ability to adjust training to the context of the country partner.
Shonaquip provided a 5-day training in partnership with UNICEF at the Lorewo Workshop in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to strengthen existing wheelchair services by equipping healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, orthopedic, technicians, and rehabilitation assistants) with the knowledge and skills required to assess, prescribe, and fit appropriate wheelchairs and postural support devices, as well as provide the user and/or caregivers with training in the use of basic maintenance.
87 people took part in the training. The attendees were diverse and made up of several trained therapists as well as people from other professions, community members, clients and their families. Organizations represented included UNICEF, Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MPSLSW), LOREWO, Sally Mugabe Hospital, Ruwa Rehab Centre, Parirenyatwa Hospital, Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) HQ, Disability Aairs, Social Development.
The wheelchair training marks a significant step towards systemic change in wheelchair service provision in Zimbabwe. By building a skilled workforce, integrating training into national systems, supporting local production, and fostering policy commitment, the training oers a scalable model with long-term impact. Lorewo's inclusion further enhances local sustainability, helping to create a nationally recognized, high-quality wheelchair service system that ensures all users have access to well-fitted, sustainable mobility solutions.
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