Caption: The 19 year old Ms Shireen Lata is presented with a new wheelchair from the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and Permanent Secretary Dr Josefa Koroivueta.Photo:SUPPLIED.
The donation of a new wheelchair to a 19 year old girl in Vaqia in Ba was welcomed by her family and friends.
During a road accident in 2013, Ms Shireen Lata had sustained serious injuries to both her legs which had led to the amputation of her left leg. Lata’s family has been in search of ways to help their daughter and in doing so, approached the Ministry for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation in finding a wheelchair for Ms Lata.
In response to this case, the Hon Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Sofia Akbar met with the family this week and presented a new wheelchair to Ms Lata.
Overwhelmed with this Christmas present, Ms Lata thanked the Ministry for this expression of compassion and care.
“I am grateful for this much needed assistance given from the Ministry, it will support me in my movement. I live with my parents and 14 year old brother, my dad is a casual laborer, whereas my mother has been mentally traumatized after my accident. My family is still coming in terms with the loss I had to endure after the horrific road accident.
“However, I am thankful to the Ministry, for its effort to care for the young people like me who are disabled and I am determined to seek further medical treatment to be able to walk again,” Ms Lata said.
“Creating an enabling and inclusive society for the persons living with disabilities in all aspect of life, is one of the key focus for Fijian Government. The equal participation and creating a barrier free environment for persons with disabilities needs a collaborative approach. There is a need for increased community awareness programs to promote the welfare and wellbeing of persons living with disabilities,” Minister Akbar said.
DEPTFO