Appointed UNICEF ambassador for children with disabilities, Zimbabwean Prudence Mabhena, whose inspiring personal story was related in the 2010 Oscar-winning documentary “Music by Prudence," said Wednesday that she will strive to eliminate social stigmatization and the exclusion of children with disabilities.
Launching an action plan for orphans and vulnerable children last week, United Nations Children's Fund Representative Peter Salama said Mabhena was honored for her role in lobbying for child rights through vocal messages his organization has adopted.
Mabhena was born with arthrogryphosis, a severe disability which has confined her to a wheelchair, from which she pursued a singing career.
She told VOA reporter Sithandekile Mhlanga that she will encourage parents not to abandon children with disabilities, something that happened to her as an infant.