Wheels of Hope: How a Tricycle Transformed a 55-year-old Anderson’s Life

Born in 1969, Anderson Mulenga's life took a drastic turn at the age of five when he contracted polio. The disease left him physically disabled, forcing him to adapt to a world that was not designed for his needs. Crawling became his only means of movement within the house. Navigating muddy terrains became impossible when it rained, often confining him indoors.

“Isolation was the most painful experience,” Anderson recalls. “Friends didn’t want to eat or associate with me, and I had to crawl even to use the toilet.” Despite these challenges, his parents stood by him, providing unwavering support and ensuring he got an education.

School Life: Triumphs and Trials

At age 10, Anderson started school at Chileshe Chipela, an inclusive primary school with a disability-friendly infrastructure. This made movement manageable, and he excelled academically. However, secondary school presented a new set of challenges. Attending Kasama Boys and Mubgwi Technical schools meant constant movement between classrooms, which was physically exhausting and emotionally draining.

“I was often soaked during the rainy season, and there were times I was sent home because I couldn’t keep up,” Anderson shares. Despite the hardships, he completed his education in 1988, driven by a desire to create a better life for himself.

Early Career and Passion for Welding

Anderson’s first job came in 1989 as a stores person for Kasama Archdiocese. He managed well because the organization provided transport from home to work. In 1992, he joined Mbala Diocese, where his passion for welding was ignited by a German brother who taught him the trade.

By 1998, Anderson was a full-time welder for Mpika Diocese. “I loved welding; it gave me purpose,” he says. However, when his contract ended in 2003, he struggled to find stable work and began offering welding services at local markets.

Family Life and Continued Struggles

In 2012, Anderson found solace when he married Christabel Nafumko. Together, they have two children, Annette (13) and Steven (10). Despite their love and support, life remained challenging. Crawling to move within his home or relying on borrowed wheelchairs to get to the market limited his productivity.

To provide for his family, Anderson began repairing shoes from home, earning just K200 to K250 on a good month. His children stepped in to help with household chores, bringing him water and cooking meals. “They’ve been my biggest support,” he says.

A Life-Changing Gift

In August 2024, Anderson’s life took a dramatic turn when World Vision Zambia, through its Gifts in Kind program, donated a tricycle to him. For the first time, Mulenga could move independently, visiting the market, buying materials, and meeting customers without assistance.

“My income has increased significantly,” Anderson says proudly. “Now, I can make K500 to K1,000 per day. The tricycle has changed everything.”

Empowering the Community

The tricycle also enabled Anderson to be more active as the secretary of a local club for people with disabilities. The group pools their skills to generate income, and Anderson’s increased productivity has inspired others. His vision is to expand his welding business to include making window frames and larger-scale projects.

Anderson’s determination to improve his life and provide for his family keeps on growing with this tricycle. “I want my children to get an education and be better than me,” he says. “To the sponsors of this wheelchair, I say thank you. Most people don’t have this opportunity. May God bless you for sharing His love with others.”

Through the gift of mobility, Mulenga has found not just independence but also renewed hope and dignity. His story serves as a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can transform lives, paving the way for a brighter future.