A Chance to Walk, a Chance to Dream: World Vision and Beit Cure Partner for Malawian Children

Tchaviyeli interacting with friends at school during break time.

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Tchaviyeli, a 14-year-old learner in standard 7 from Njema, faced the challenges of clubfoot, a condition that caused his left foot to be turned upside down. Despite attending school, he struggled with limitations in various activities.

"I have never owned a pair of shoes in my entire life, and during soccer games, which is my favourite sport, friends would only assign me a warm-up role as I couldn't play the entire game due to my condition," explained Tchaviyeli.

Despite his outgoing personality, Tchaviyeli felt the impact of his condition on his interactions.

"I know I am different because my friends treated me differently," he acknowledged.

During a follow-up appointment at Beit Cure Malawi in Blantyre, Tchaviyeli expressed excitement for his recovery and attributed it to the support of World Vision staff: "Alangizi, buy me a soccer ball as a gift because I want to start my own soccer team, since I am almost recovered."

This plea reflected his determination to overcome the challenges in pursuit of his passion.

Tchaviyeli is one of the 27 children from Njema AP, with various disabilities, who have undergone life-changing surgeries supported by World Vision under the Inclusive Education Program.

*Tchayiveli showing his foot after the surgery.*

These initiatives aim to empower children, such as Tchaviyeli, to lead fulfilling lives and to actively participate in their communities. In addition to his passion for soccer, Tchaviyeli aspires to become a mechanic. He also finds joy in studying science and English in school. Alongside his regular studies, he actively participates in a reading camp at Khurubwe, showing his commitment to academic growth and literacy. Tchaviyeli's diverse interests and ambitions highlight his determination to explore various facets of life, despite the challenges posed by his club foot condition.

Earlier this year, World Vision Malawi and Beit Cure Malawi signed a strategic partnership, where World Vision Malawi will be helping children in need and transport them to Beit CURE Malawi for the Life-changing surgeries for conditions such as clubfoot, cleft lip/palate, knock knees, and bowed legs.

World Vision Vision Malawi and Beit CURE Malawi staff during the partnership MoU signing. From left to right: Cure Malawi Community Mobilization Coordinator, Sunganani Mughogho; WVM People and Culture Director, Debbie Phiri; CURE Malawi Programs and Development Director, Davie Simengwa; WVM Business Development and Grants Management Director, Pennia Mavedzenge; and CURE Malawi Executive Director, Elly Chemey.

There are reportedly close to 500,000 children with treatable disabilities in need of care throughout Malawi, but reaching them all is challenging, as many live far from the hospital or in hard-to-reach areas. By partnering together, the organisations will be able to help more children receive the care they desperately need.