By Lilian Kasenene, Kilosa
The Chairperson of Tanzania's Women's Union (UWT) in Kilosa District, Jamillah Miyonga, has started the New Year 2025 with an act of compassion, bringing joy to Salome Bernard, a woman with a disability, by gifting her a wheelchair and other essential items.
Salome, who has been paralyzed for decades, shared her profound gratitude, revealing that she had been confined indoors for over 25 years, with all her activities limited to her bed.
In a heartwarming gesture, Chairperson Miyonga delivered New Year greetings alongside various gifts, including a multifunctional wheelchair that also serves as a toilet chair, a mattress, bed sheets, and other household necessities.
During her visit, Miyonga extended holiday greetings from President Samia Suluhu Hassan and UWT National Chairperson Marry Chatanda. She reassured Salome and her family of their solidarity and lauded the leaders for setting a remarkable example of engaging with the community through tangible support.
Miyonga also shared a meal with Salome's family, using the opportunity to call on Kilosa residents and stakeholders to assist vulnerable individuals like Salome. She stressed the importance of collective efforts to restore hope and comfort to those in need, emphasizing that such acts of kindness leave a lasting legacy.
"I invite stakeholders inspired to support women in need within Kilosa District to visit the UWT Kilosa office and collaborate with us in providing assistance," she said.
Salome’s sister, Isdora Bernard, expressed deep gratitude, describing the gesture as a testament to selfless love. She prayed for blessings upon the leaders, whose generosity had brought immense relief to their family.