Leonel in Zambia
Refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Manishimwe and Oliver face many challenges. They must deal with a language barrier between them and those native to Zambia, where they now live, and adapt to the cultural differences. Although they have jobs, it is sometimes difficult to support their family. They work hard to survive in the face of these circumstances.
One challenge they were not expecting was having a child born with clubfoot. Leonel was not the couple’s first baby, but he was the first born with this treatable condition.
An aunt the couple lives with was the first to tell them their baby had clubfoot. One of her children had been diagnosed with clubfoot. Because of her experience, the aunt took Manishimwe and Oliver to UTH Hope Walks partner clinic, where medical professionals treated her child.
It was challenging to understand each other because of the language barrier, but with the aunt’s help, Manishimwe, Oliver and the parent advisor could communicate. Leonel was soon in treatment.
Despite finding help for their son, the parents still worried. They wanted to help their child but were afraid they would not be able to continue to afford to travel back and forth to the clinic. Thankfully, the clinic was able to help cover the costs of transportation thanks to God’s grace and the generous donations from Hope Walks donors.
Manishimwe and Oliver are immensely grateful for Hope Walks’ help and support during this new challenge.
By Abby Baileys, student intern
