DR Congo: GIK - Aid that Restores Human Dignity
By Tatiana Ballay, Communications Officer
Jean Nawej, 71, lives in the village of Tshiyanda in the Lualaba province, where he has led a life marked by resilience. Born in 1954 in Lubudi, he lost the use of his legs at the age of three, with the exact cause unknown. His mother often tells him that his father, a machinist in Kamina, carried him from healer to healer, without success. In a world designed for the able-bodied, Jean learned to survive by crawling, enduring hardships with quiet strength.
His difficult childhood did not stop him from pursuing an education. After completing three years of secondary school in Lubumbashi, he had to drop out due to financial constraints. In 1987, he turned to the food trade, transporting agricultural products between Dilolo and the major cities of Congo. He settled in Tshiyanda with his wife Jeannette, raising six daughters. Despite his disability, he farmed to provide for his family. However, in 2018, a herniated disc left him immobilized. Additionally, his wife’s health deteriorated, making their daily life even more challenging.
For years, Jean crawled to move around until a woman in his village offered him a used wheelchair in 2016, in exchange for five sacks of manioc. Although imperfect, it allowed him to move a bit more easily, but rain and rust soon made it unusable. One day, a volunteer from World Vision informed him that help was coming for people with disabilities. Jean learned he would receive a new wheelchair. On the much-anticipated day, he received the long-awaited gift.
“When I placed my hands on that wheelchair, I felt my heart lighten. It was more than just an object; it was a symbol: I was not forgotten,” he says.
The wheelchair changed his life. He can now move freely, no longer fearing injury or mud. This unexpected gift from World Vision through the Gift-In-Kind (GIK) program represents not just a material improvement, but a restoration of dignity and independence. Jean, though living in precarious conditions, continues to fight to support his family. With a solar panel, he charges batteries and repairs pots that he sells, but his earnings remain insufficient to meet all his needs.
“For a decent meal, we need 5,000 Congolese francs (about $2), but we often make do with vegetables and cornmeal,”he explains.
The wheelchair is not just a mobility tool for him; it has become a symbol of solidarity and love for others. He even shared news of the distribution with the only other disabled person in his village, encouraging mutual support. Jean draws strength from his faith, guided by the words of John 13:34: "Love one another." He sees the wheelchair as a tangible act of love, proof that he is not alone.
Jean’s situation also reflects a broader reality. In the region, people with disabilities remain largely invisible, and their needs are often ignored. Although data is limited, the Maisha program tracks a few disabled individuals, but much work remains to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. Jean’s story shows that every gesture counts, and it is crucial to multiply actions to ensure a dignified and independent life for those in need.
Jean Nawej embodies hope and determination. His wheelchair is not just a means of transportation but a key to his freedom and independence.