Over 300 wheelchairs and other mobility aids were recently presented by representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Elison Bovu, director-general of Vanuatu Society for Disabled People (VSDP).
- Vanutau Wheelchair Training
- Vanuatu Wheelchair Training
- Vanuatu Wheelchair Training
- Vanuatu Wheelchair Training
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Latter-day Saint leader, Yvon Basil, made the presentation on 13 June at the conclusion of a three-day training seminar on use, care and maintenance of the new wheelchairs.
The training was held at a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in Port Vila.
17 health workers from Efate and Tafea were invited to participate in the training course, including two physiotherapists who work at the Port Vila hospital. Those attending the training received certificates of completion and will, in turn, go out into their communities to train people receiving the new wheelchairs.
“On behalf of the Church we have done this from our heart,” President Basil said. “We give these wheelchairs, not to boast in ourselves but to bless people with special needs—without regard to race or religious background.”
The Vanuatu Society for Disabled People depend largely on donations. Local authorities, together with Mr. Bovu, shared their appreciation to the Church for helping health workers provide mobility to those in need.
Although this is not the first donation of wheelchairs from the Church in Vanuatu, it is the first time training on the use, care, and maintenance of wheelchairs has been conducted.
Those participating in the training expressed appreciation as it provided them with a higher level of understanding on the maintenance, structure and use of the wheelchairs.
“We are so happy that this workshop happened,” said Francis Ruru. “In the past we usually receive second-hand wheelchairs without any training or necessary information on use and maintenance. I wish the training could last a week.”
At the conclusion of the hand-over ceremony, six participants wheeled out of the building with their new chairs and a long list of names at hand of people who have requested wheelchairs. These needs will be accommodated once VSDP finishes training with Latter-day Saint missionaries from Luganville Santo.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through its humanitarian and welfare programs, continues to reach out to communities and organizations alike to render necessary support and aid.