Hope in Motion: William’s Journey to Independence

As we entered the yard surrounding the small earthen home, we were greeted by the friendly smiling face of a little 11-year-old boy named William. Seated on the ground, he played with a crushed plastic water bottle and sticks.  His welcome was so warm and happy, our hearts filled with joy and sadness. We were visiting William because of his disability, but what we saw were bright, alert eyes, and his ability to be as independent as possible.

His mother returned from her field work, and we could see their close bond. At a young age, William got malaria, which was complicated by meningitis. He was treated in the hospital. Unfortunately, his spinal cord was damaged during a spinal tap procedure, and his legs were paralyzed.  He also lost his hearing. 

He mobilizes by lifting his lower body with his hands and arms, dragging himself along. He has a designated area in the compound where he voids and defecates independently. With no mobility, he has not been able to attend school. He finds things in the yard to play with and is visited by family and neighbours, but his life is restricted.

With the financial support of Mikinduri Children of Hope, William now has a wheelchair and will be able to attend Nyamonye boarding school. This is a wonderful school for children with special needs. It focuses on supporting families and building independence for the child. The MCOH team loves visiting the school during team trips.  Peter, our agricultural specialist, helps with gardening and fish farming on site and provides additional bags of maize and beans from the farm in Bondo.

William’s future is much brighter because of your support.