Story by Tafara Chikumira
54-year-old Mr Pahuwa Peturu stands as a shining example that disability does not define one’s potential.
His life journey, marked by resilience and determination, continues to inspire communities through his artistic prowess in handicrafts.
Born with a disability over five decades ago, Mr Peturu received some formal education which eventually led to his employment, albeit on a seasonal basis. Unfortunately, his employment was terminated in 2019.
Rather than succumbing to despair, he chose to tap into his fascination with transport and reignited his natural flair for craft, which has since become both a livelihood and a tool for social transformation.
“I got out of employment around 2019 and I told myself that disability is not inability. Since God blessed me with two hands I simply said let me continue with the works. I did not go to school to learn this, it is purely God-given. I realized that the children were now doing CALA subjects and decided to be part of their journey. I started using cupboard boxes. However, others started advising that your craft is of high quality and they swayed me to start using durable material. From then on I see a lot of change and my imagination is captured with what I see in society,” Mr Peturu said.
With communities now battling the menace of drug and substance abuse, Mr Peturu desires to make some meaningful contribution towards eradicating the scourge that is threatening generations.
“I am asking the society to partner us in dealing with the drug and substance abuse problem affecting our communities. The support I am looking for is not even financial, but I am appealing for the parents to bring their children so that we include them in making our artefacts. We want these children occupied from morning till evening. My work has no off day so I can accommodate them in batches and once they get the necessary skill they will be kept busy and as such help in curbing the aspect of drug and substance abuse,” he added.
With Peturu’s handicraft now infusing solar-powered propellers, his artefacts might be moving towards harnessing modern technologies apart from acting as a rehabilitation home for children addicted to drugs.
