16.KNOWLEDGE: 16 YEARS

Knowledge is a 16-year-old boy from Jiyazi Village, Chiredzi, Zimbabwe, who has been battling a severe medical condition. His struggles began after a minor injury at school when he accidentally bumped his right leg on a desk. What started as a minor bump soon worsened, with his leg becoming swollen and painful, and a growth forming on it. A concerned well-wisher saw him limping in the city centre and referred him to Hope for Zimbabwe Children (HFZC) for assistance.

Initially, Knowledge was taken to St. Peters Hospital in Chiredzi, where an orthopedic doctor assessed him, but no progress was made. He was then transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare, where he was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma. Unfortunately, the doctors were on strike, and due to equipment failure, the biopsy results were delayed for months, with little hope of receiving them. This has left Knowledge waiting, in pain, and without proper treatment.A brilliant student who earned six units in his grade seven exams, Knowledge is currently out of school and living in poverty-stricken Hopley, Harare, with his uncle and extended family. His mother remains in the rural area caring for another child with mental health challenges, while his father works as a security guard in Harare but is not actively involved in Knowledge’s care. His uncle, who is Knowledge’s guardian, lives in a small, overcrowded room with his two wives and fourteen children, and the family is struggling to survive.

In 2019, Hope for Zimbabwe Children visited Knowledge and completed an assessment, planning to assist with his medical care. They arranged a visit to Karanda Mission Hospital, believed to have better facilities, but a day before they were set to travel, Knowledge was forcibly admitted to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where his leg was amputated in a botched operation. The uncle had been strongly opposed to the amputation, fearing that the hospital lacked the resources and expertise needed for such a procedure. After the surgery, Knowledge received no proper aftercare and was discharged in poor condition. The situation became more troubling when the uncle revealed that a journalist and a doctor had conspired to carry out the amputation without his consent. The journalist had launched a dubious fundraising appeal using Knowledge’s name after seeing Hope for Zimbabwe Children organizing a legitimate charity appeal for him. Without the family’s permission, the journalist took Knowledge to Parirenyatwa Hospital while his uncle was at work, leading to the forced amputation. When questioned about the funds raised, the journalist refused to disclose the amount or the source of the donations. Despite these challenges, Hope for Zimbabwe Children continues to support Knowledge, his uncle, and his mother. They are now working closely with Mrs Muzenda, a community advocate who helps provide food, clothing, and school fees for children in the poverty-stricken Hopley community, as they strive to find a way forward for Knowledge.

The situation of Knowledge is truly heartbreaking and highlights the immense challenges faced by families in Zimbabwe, especially those dealing with severe medical issues and poverty. Knowledge’s case is emblematic of the broader issues faced by many families in Zimbabwe dealing with health crises and poverty. Coordinated efforts among NGOs, community organizations, healthcare providers, and the family are essential to ensure that Knowledge receives the care he needs and to restore hope for his future. Addressing the systemic issues that allowed exploitation to occur is also vital to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.

Knowledge’s situation is tragic and showcases the critical challenges faced by vulnerable children in Zimbabwe, particularly in terms of healthcare access, family support, and the implications of unethical behavior from individuals in positions of trust. The circumstances surrounding Knowledge’s treatment highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and compassionate response to his condition, health education for families, and a commitment to advocacy for better healthcare practices in his community. Knowledge’s case is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. A concerted effort involving healthcare access, family support, education continuity, community mobilization, and advocacy for better practices can significantly improve his quality of life. By implementing these strategies, Hope for Zimbabwe Children can help Knowledge find healing, continue his education, and thrive within a supportive environment. Ensuring this young boy receives the care and respect he deserves is vital for his future and serves as a narrative of resilience for other children in similarly challenging circumstances.

• Health and Medical Care: Knowledge is in dire need of proper medical treatment and follow-up care. His experience highlights the systemic issues in the healthcare system, including delays in diagnosis, inadequate resources, and unconsented medical procedures.
• Poverty: The family struggles to meet basic needs, as illustrated by Knowledge’s lack of access to pain relief and the overall living conditions.
• Lack of Support: The family appears to lack a strong support network, both in healthcare and financial assistance. This has been exacerbated by the actions of individuals who exploited Knowledge’s situation for fundraising without the family’s consent.
• Educational Disruption: His condition has resulted in him being unable to continue his education, which is critical for his future prospects.
• Healthcare Assistance: Partner with local NGOs and health organizations to facilitate medical assistance for Knowledge, including proper diagnostics and treatment plans. Explore options for care at better-equipped hospitals or clinics outside of the current healthcare system that may provide him with necessary attention and rehabilitation.
• Psychosocial Support: Establish a support system for Knowledge that includes counseling or therapy to help him deal with the trauma associated with his medical treatment and ongoing pain. Ensure his family is also offered support, as they are likely experiencing significant stress related to Knowledge’s health and their financial situation.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with Mrs. Muzenda and other community leaders to address food security, education, and healthcare for children in the community. Advocate for greater transparency and ethical fundraising practices in the community to protect vulnerable individuals like Knowledge from exploitation.
• Educational Support: Seek scholarships or educational programs that can help Knowledge return to school once his health permits. Provide tutoring or educational materials to help him stay engaged academically while he is not in formal school.
• Referral to a Specialist: Given the complexities of Knowledge’s condition, the priority should be to find a reputable specialist or medical facility that can offer a second opinion and evaluate the potential for further treatment or rehabilitation for his leg. This includes seeking options in neighboring countries if necessary.
• Reassessment of Current Condition: Arrange for Knowledge to be assessed again medically to obtain an accurate understanding of the situation, including any ongoing pain management needs post-amputation.
• Mental Health Counseling: Given the trauma Knowledge has experienced, it is crucial to provide mental health support. Connecting him with a counselor or support group that specializes in trauma and healthcare challenges can help him cope with the emotional impact of his experience.
• Support for Family: Offering family counseling to his uncle and possibly integrating sessions for his parents could foster a supportive environment for Knowledge, establishing a strong family network during this difficult time.
• Educational Support: Since Knowledge is a bright student, it would be essential to ensure he remains engaged with his studies. Consider providing educational resources, such as access to tutors, online learning opportunities, or homework assistance to help him keep up with his peers.
• School Re-integration: Work with local educational authorities to facilitate Knowledge’s return to school when he is medically stable, ensuring any necessary accommodations for his mobility challenges are in place.

• Community Mobilization: Continue fostering relationships with organizations like Mrs Muzenda’s initiative to create a broader community support network that encompasses food security, clothing, and educational assistance. This will not only benefit Knowledge but also other vulnerable children in the area.Involve the community in supporting Knowledge’s case, potentially organizing local fundraising events that increase engagement and awareness of the challenges faced by children in similar situations.
• Raising Awareness: Advocate for ethical fundraising practices within the community to prevent situations similar to Knowledge’s, informing families about their rights and the importance of consent in medical decisions.
• Peer Support Group: Establishing or connecting Knowledge with a peer support group for children with similar challenges could help him find solidarity and encouragement.
• Advocacy for Healthcare Reform: Collaborate with other organizations to advocate for systemic reform in the healthcare system, particularly concerning children’s rights and ethical medical practices.
• Fundraising and Resource Allocation: Transparency in Fundraising. If funds are raised in Knowledge’s name, ensure transparency and proper allocation of resources, possibly setting up a direct fund for his ongoing medical and educational needs.
• Legal Recourse Investigation: Explore the possibility of legal action against the journalist and the doctor who acted without consent, ensuring Knowledge’s family is aware of their rights and available legal support.
• Long-term Monitoring: Develop a long-term monitoring plan for Knowledge that includes regular health check-ups, rehabilitation services, and potential vocational training opportunities to support his future aspirations.