Meet Thandeka

Thandeka is a 9-year-old girl with a joyful spirit, despite facing significant challenges due to a mental condition that has left her unable to stand or walk on her own. When we first met Thandeka, she was incredibly shy and hesitant to engage with us. But once she warmed up, her smile was absolutely infectious and lit up the room.

Recognizing her need for greater mobility, we provided Thandeka with a refurbished wheelchair, giving her newfound independence. However, there was still a major issue—her toilet was 60 meters from the house, making it difficult for her and her family to manage. To solve this, we reached out to local builders, who generously helped us move the toilet closer to their home, making it far more accessible.

Thandeka enjoys playing outside, where she crawls on her hands and knees. To make this easier and more comfortable for her, we found gardening knee pads that she now wears when playing outdoors. This small addition has made a big difference in her daily life, allowing her to explore and enjoy her surroundings more freely.

Her mother is overjoyed with the changes. She no longer has to carry Thandeka for 2 kilometers to the nearest taxi stop, as she can now easily wheel her daughter to the clinic for her appointments. This has greatly improved both of their lives, making daily tasks more manageable and giving them more time to focus on being together as a family.

Thandeka’s story is a testament to how small changes can make a huge impact, and her beautiful smile continues to inspire everyone who meets her.