A second chance for education

No one had given 13-year-old Kennedy a chance to go to school before January 2019. 

Kennedy’s family had been struggling to support itself. This was mainly due to the effects of climate change and poor access to adequate farming. So the people in his community were used to seeing him herding cattle to support his single mother, who he lives in a village in the Eastern Province in Zambia. But his situation changed when he fell from a tree and broke both his legs.

No longer being able to go to school

He underwent surgery at a local hospital, but the surgery on his right leg was not successful. He developed a small hole on his skin which then became septic. It became clear that he may eventually have to lose his leg. His mother was worried about this, as it would mean Kennedy would not be able to help the family with their income. For Kennedy, it was a worry that the loss of his leg would mean he would not be able to go to school. 

However, Kennedy’s hopes for education were rekindled in January 2019. He and 17 other children were invited for a health assessment exercise at Kabvumbe Primary school. The assessments were being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The doctors identified that Kennedy had a condition called chronic osteomyelitis. He required urgent medical attention.

How Kennedy got involved with us

Leonard Cheshire’s inclusive education team in Zambia made sure Kennedy received his hospital referral. They also supported Kennedy and his mother with travel and subsistence allowances for his health visits. 

Kennedy underwent a second operation to remove dead bone from his leg. Since the operation, his leg has improved so much that he should no longer need an amputation. 

The impact of education

Kennedy recovered well from his operation. The project has now supported him to enrol at Kabvumbe Primary School in Petauke. Kennedy is enjoying getting the most out of his education! Kennedy’s mother also received counselling on the importance of education for children with disabilities. She has vowed to support her son fully with his education. 

His teacher says: “Kennedy loves school a lot and never misses class, he is very involved in class work and has been doing fine. He also actively participates in other activities such as the child to child club. He mentions that he would one day want to become a medical doctor so that he can equally be helping other children as he had been helped as well.”