(Aru) – Just a stone’s throw from the border with Uganda, in the province of Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo, lies the territory of Aru, which together with the nearby locality of Ariwara serves as an important cross-border commercial hub with Uganda and South Sudan.
Here lives Thabiyo, 12 years old, and her burden that has accompanied her since birth. Thabiyo, orphaned by both parents, is in fact disabled and struggles daily with malnutrition. Hers is a large family made up of six children, two boys and four girls, and all of them live together in Aru with their grandmother.
Having to think about feeding all those mouths, the situation is not always easy. For this reason, the child is sometimes forced to ask for something to eat at her neighbours’ houses.
Sr. Hortense, the local contact person for Distance Support, reports that not even at school is she able to eat anything, nor does she dare to ask her classmates for food. Consequently, the persistence of this serious state of malnutrition means that she is often ill and in constant need of medical assistance.
Despite everything, Thabiyo, who has just completed 6th grade, will move on to middle school with an average of 72%.
She is a diligent and respectful student who loves studying and, among all subjects, particularly favours French and drawing. She is also good at mathematics and generally in all other subjects.
Among her hobbies are crafts, swimming and bowls. She wants to become a visual artist.
Introverted, quiet and reserved by nature, at school she plays with everyone but has only one friend. She will undoubtedly be a very responsible adult.
Supporting less fortunate boys and girls so that they can be better off, helping them to grow strong, feel loved and above all giving them a concrete chance in life, is not impossible. With a small but precious gesture, you can really make a difference.
Support the Canossian Foundation VOICA – ETS and the work of the Canossian Mothers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Thank you, on behalf of Sr. Hortense, Thabiyo and all the boys and girls who will be able to count on your help.
Canossian Foundation – I am Thabiyo and I will be a little great artist
