Avongwe Special Care (ASC)
Our Story
ASC is inspired by the remarkable journey of Zayn Avongweishe Mabika, whose name, Avongwe, meaning “May God be Praised,” symbolizes resilience and hope. Born on September 11, 2020, in Harare, Zimbabwe, as a full-term baby via normal delivery, Zayn initially seemed healthy. However, within three days, he developed life-threatening newborn jaundice, necessitating an urgent return to the hospital.
For 13 days, Zayn fought for his life in the ICU, relying on oxygen and specialized treatments. His strength inspired all who witnessed it. His parents, new to parenthood, stayed by his side, drawing hope from their faith, family, and friends, alongside a dedicated medical team.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
After a fortnight, Zayn was discharged from the ICU, but he returned home with the weight of a permanent diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy. What once was a temporary challenge transformed into a defining aspect of his life, shaping the mission of Avongwe Special Care. ASC is dedicated to long-term advocacy, care, and empowerment for individuals facing similar challenges, grounded in the belief that every struggle can lead to strength and hope.
By sharing our journey and experiences, we aim to create a positive impact in society and improve the lives of those living with Cerebral Palsy. This includes discussing the progress and challenges we face, our discoveries in the pursuit of knowledge to better serve and protect our loved ones, and inspiring a collective passion to assist one another. Together, we can achieve a much greater impact than we could alone!
Our Core Beliefs
Love
Our faith in Christ teaches that selfless love must be the foundation of all relationships. At ASC, we are guided by this belief and strive to express it through patience and tolerance in educating society, kindness, and daily support for one another. This love inspired the creation of ASC and continues to fuel our mission to build stronger, more compassionate communities.
Interdependence
“No man is an island”—each person is a part of something greater. ASC values the uniqueness and interdependence of individuals, recognizing that together, we complement one another and drive society forward.
Work and Legacy
We believe in setting attainable goals for our collective CP movement, with the aim of pursuing and achieving them. Beyond reaching our goals at ASC, we strive to pass these accomplishments on to future generations, fostering growth and progress for humanity.
The team behind ASC.
With Zayn’s spirit of resilience, hope, and joy in all of us, Avongwe Special Care is fully run and operated by a Zimbabwean family consisting of:
Simba (Dad)
With a background in entrepreneurship and corporate strategy, Simba is committed to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of ASC’s collaborations, driving inclusive initiatives to enhance the lives of those with CP.
Tich (Mom)
Leveraging her expertise in brand strategy, Tich leads awareness programs and manages complex design work. Her innovative approach helps to effectively communicate ASC’s mission and engage the community.
Gogo Makonese (Grandma)
Her deep love for Zayn and resourcefulness inspire guardians and caregivers to actively engage in their children’s lives. She fosters a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and shared experiences among families facing similar challenges.
Gogo Mabika (Grandma)
Through her strong bond formed in compassion ministry and her skills in educational systems management and counseling, Gogo Mabika aims to enhance ASC’s training and institutional facilities with dedication and excellence.
Join our team!
Become a part of our team and help us make a difference in the lives of individuals with Cerebral Palsy. Together, we can drive change, raise awareness, and create a more inclusive community. Your passion and skills can help us achieve our mission at Avongwe Special Care. Let’s work together for a brighter future!