Boy Born Without Hands Appeals for Education Aid: "I Want to be a Doctor"
"My dream is to become a doctor so I can help other children like me," says Fred.
MCHINJI, Malawi— A 10-year-old boy born without hands is pleading for assistance continuing his education in rural Malawi, after overcoming odds just to learn to read and write, writes Gerald Fanuel.
For Fred from Kaferankhope village, writing and doing schoolwork takes extraordinary effort.
Born without hands due to a rare congenital condition known as Phocomelia Syndrome, Fred uses only his feet and legs to perform tasks most take for granted.
Phocomelia is an extremely rare congenital skeletal disorder that characteristically affects the limbs.
"I use two chairs to position myself so I can write with my feet," Fred says.
"But one chair was damaged in a fire at our home, so it's difficult."
Despite his physical disability, Fred has shown remarkable determination and perseverance.
Now in Standard 3 at Chimongo Primary School, he can read, write and complete his classwork without assistance - a true testament to the power of the human spirit.
"I work very hard in school," says Fred.
"My dream is to become a doctor so I can help other children like me."
However, Fred's dreams of becoming a doctor are in jeopardy without support.
His mother, Elinati Lezio, singlehandedly provides for Fred and his two siblings after being abandoned by her husband three years ago.
"It's a struggle to pay school fees and buy supplies," says Lezio.
"I'm doing my best but I need help if Fred is to continue his education."
When contacted, Mchinji District Social Welfare Officer Joyce Malika affirmed the office aims to assist Fred.
"No child should have their dreams crushed due to lack of resources," says Malika.
"We will work to ensure Fred gets the support he deserves."
Despite the hardship Fred faces, those close to him said his determination to gain an education has inspired many.
Teachers and classmates help accommodate Fred to ensure he can learn alongside other students.
Those able to offer support can contact Malika at +265999613903.
This remarkable young boy deserves the opportunity to follow his dreams.