A Dynamo
Each one of our children and young adults at St. Kizito is a blessing. Each day they inspire us with their strength and resilience and today we’re excited to share the story of one of those remarkable kids, a true dynamo!
Déborah’s Story
When Deborah was two months old, her family abandoned her at St. Kizito.
Though she was weak and malnourished when she arrived, with lots of love and feeding she soon gained weight and engaged happily with the other children and staff. At the same time, the nuns noticed frightening changes happening in her body: her spine became deformed and one day she was paralyzed on her left side. She was also in constant pain. Sister Françoise and her team then embarked on a saga of finding doctors and specialists in one of the most remote and isolated corners of the earth. Now after six years of care and physical therapy, Deborah has begun to overcome her challenges. Though very young, Deborah has been fiercely determined and strong despite chronic pain and the battery of medical procedures. From the beginning, doctors warned her that she might never walk on her own. But today, thanks to the countless prayers, love, and treatment she’s received, Deborah is learning to navigate our protected campus without a wheelchair. The girl refuses to give up.
Sadly, children in eastern Congo face conflict and humanitarian crises on a regular basis. Those who struggle with a physical or mental disability are even further isolated and vulnerable. (To learn more about this issue read HERE and about progress read HERE.)
With your support, we’ve been able to provide the necessary medical care a child like Deborah deserves so she can lead the fullest life possible. Going forward, we hope to adapt our school and play area to ensure that children like Deborah who need extra accommodation can engage, participate, and grow alongside the other children in St. Kizito’s big, ever-growing family.
Today, we are reaching out to ask those who can to contribute to the cost of repairing our school by making a donation. In the coming months, we will be strategizing on longer-term solutions. We invite your participation as we work to ensure that each and every child who comes into our care has access to the crucial asset, education, that can lift them out of poverty and into a self-directed life.
As always, we are grateful for your support and hope that this time of celebration and joy finds you well.
In gratitude!
The Congo Kids Initiative Team