(Kinshasa) “Hello, my name is Bakhita, I’m 23 years old, severely disabled, but despite my handicap I am still a great warrior.
This is my story.
I was born in a hospital run by the Canossian Sisters in DR Congo, but while I came into the world, due to serious birth complications, my mother left this life instead.
My birth family had forced their daughter to give birth at home rather than taking her to hospital, making themselves responsible for a severe cranial trauma that left me permanently disabled and totally dependent on others. Even more so, that same family wanted to bury me alive with my mother, claiming her death was all my fault. This is why they abandoned me, and it was at this point that the Canossian Sisters intervened and began to care for me.
Initially, unable to stay with them in the convent but still taking responsibility for my support, they entrusted me to a woman to look after me. Unfortunately, even this mother figure was lost at a certain point, and I had to return to the Canossian Sisters.
When, due to my extremely delicate and serious health condition, specialist medical care became necessary – care I could never have received in my country – thanks once again to the great heart of the Canossian Sisters, I was able to reach Italy to receive it. Once back in my country, I was entrusted to the Sisters in Kinshasa, where I remain today.
While my real family turned their backs on me, abandoning me without mercy like a broken, useless toy and condemning me to a disastrous fate, I found in the Canossian family a loving and compassionate family who knew how to welcome, love, and help me when no one else would, giving me a chance at life against all expectations. I can’t do anything to thank those who have done so much for me, but I believe my smile says it all.
If you too want to help other less fortunate children and girls to feel better, grow strong, feel loved, and above all have a real chance in life**, with a small but precious gesture, you can truly make a difference.**
Support the Canossian VOICA-ETS Foundation and the work of the Canossian Sisters in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Thank you, on behalf of myself and all the children who can count on you.”