Part 1: CHRISTOPHER’S STORY

When we first read about Christopher in an article published by a regional South African Newspaper, we were so moved by his story that we immediately responded to his mother’s calls for help. Soon after contacting the newspaper, we received more information on his background and present situation. The stories we received were so deeply moving that words simply cannot describe how we felt. Imagine, if you will, that you are a young South African boy who should be enjoying his childhood, doing all of the things that 10 year old boys do, playing footy with your mates, teasing the girls etc. Instead you spend your break times crying and hiding from the school bullies who call you horrible chants of ‘Lizard Boy’ which forever haunt you. At the same time, you wonder why your father is so ashamed and disgusted with you that he tried to end your life when you were a baby. And most of all, you wonder why everyday of your life you have to endure this horrible itching, burning and bleeding sensation all over your body. You are soon to discover that your township school is about to throw you out, because of your skin condition, claiming that it might pose as a potential health threat to your classmates. I don’t know about you, but I can’t even begin to contemplate the sort of pain and heartache that a child like this would have to endure.

Let me introduce you to Christopher Mondlane. The experience you have just had is the reality of this little boy’s everyday life. Thanks to the support of GAP Activity Projects, SOS Africa has answered Christopher’s mother’s prayers, and in January 2005, SOS will be sending Christopher to a Private School in Nelspruit, giving him a fresh start in life. There he will receive all the care and support he needs, in an attempt to help him live the life of a happy 10 year old boy, a life he deserves.

There are many other children in similar situations to Christopher, suffering in silence. If you have been as affected as we were by Christopher’s story, and wish to make a difference to other children’s lives, in the way that we have Christopher’s, please get in contact with us as soon as possible (contact us). We hope you will join us in wishing Christopher all the best at his new school, and we will, of course, keep you regularly updated with his progress.

Part 2: CHRISTOPHER’S FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL

THE NEW FRONTIER

I traveled to a small African village just outside of the small Mpumalanga Capital called Nelspruit. The Village is called Kanyamazane and it nestles cozily between two huge rock formations. Consisting mostly of Shacks, some houses and a few shanty’s, it had a lot of trees and shrubbery, it was a typical South African Village, very pretty, but dirt poor!

Christopher’s house is up against the side of one of these huge rocks and is very tiny and not at all in a good condition. Nine members of the Family live together, trying to eke out an existence, relying heavily on Christopher’s uncle Robert, the only person receiving some sort of salary each month.

Goodness, Christopher’s Mother, told me of the tough times since her husband had left her to fend for their two children. She spoke of his decision to leave after she had refused to end Christopher’s life, explaining that soon after his birth it had become evident that he was afflicted with some sort of a skin ailment, the Doctors at the primitive Government Hospital couldn’t explain this at all and it was only years later with the intervention of caring people, that he was diagnosed with Ichtosis, a skin ailment for life, which untreated would result in every inch of his body becoming scaly and septic.

Despite a Government decree of free medical treatment for the poor, Christopher did not get anywhere near the necessary treatment for his condition and along with the unhygienic living conditions and the cruelty of his fellow schoolmates, he continued to deteriorate, forced away from local schools, who thought him a demon until a well-known local Journalist Zenzele Khulase intervened in his life.

Zenzele was introduced to Goodness by Christopher’s Uncle and immediately decided that an article on this young fighter was the best medicine, hoping that the various national newspapers would pick up on the story, Zenzele placed the article on the National Press.

Just days later, the Star Newspaper ran the article and very quickly business men and women responded and one in particular, Berneen Field, swept into action and soon Christopher and his mother were in Johannesburg for tests and the diagnosis was made along with the necessary treatment required. Berneen set-up a Trust account and many contributions were made to assist the family with the treatment of this very destructive ailment.

It was here that I was able to contact Berneen and offer her the assistance of SOS Africa in assisting with his schooling. Just weeks later, I traveled the 575 km’s from Mafikeng to Nelspruit in early December 2004 to meet Christopher and attempt to sort out a possible school for him. I also needed to meet with the local Government Doctors to ensure he received the correct medical assistance.

I was directed by the local Government Primary school to a very special school close to where Christopher lives in Kanyamazane called Kamagugu Inclusive School, where I met with the dynamic Headmaster Marius Erasmus and his equally special Secretary Gerda Meyer. I was told by them that their school was indeed a ‘special’ school as it catered for children with both physical disabilities as well as those who with learning disabilities – it was a perfect place for Christopher to catch up the missing years of school.

After intensive meetings with the School administration, together with Zenzele and prospective Mentor, Mark Andrews, I arrived at the rooms of Skin Specialist Dr. Edward Berry, who very quickly impressed me with his knowledge and empathy for the sad situation Christopher found himself in. He took time to explain the ailment in detail, as well as the future prognosis and it was soon evident that Christopher would have this for life.

The exciting thing for me was that Dr. Berry informed us that he was the resident Doctor on call every Friday at the local Government Hospital, The Rob Ferreria and would see Christopher every three weeks or even every Friday if the need required it – all for nothing! What a wonderful man, he is.

So I was a very satisfied, happy person returning to Mafikeng after all was sorted out for this plucky youngster, 2005 lay ahead and the beginning of a new life for him.

The first day of school dawned and as the school worked strictly on a first-come-first-served ethic, it was imperative that Christopher arrived early at school and so it was that many phone calls to all and sundry that first morning had everyone abuzz with expectation and nerves. The call came from Gerda at 10h30, Christopher was in!!!!!

The first few weeks passed quickly, so Christopher says. The excitement of a new school, the flurry of stationary purchasing, assisted by Gerda, the issues of transport with a monthly bus-ticket being purchased, together with uniform hunting, not to mention the excitement of making new friends, kept everyone on their toes and time has flown very quickly by.

Zenzele and Mark have been superb in looking after Christopher’s needs and a weekly phone call from me to Christopher is always a fun event, listening to the challenges of his new life. Headmaster Marius has been in regular contact and it seems the first term of school at Kamagugu is going well and Christopher is settling in well.

It has been difficult for me, with Christopher so far away, not to be able to pop-in to see how he’s doing, but as a team, Zenzele, Mark, Gerda, Marius and I are keeping close tabs on this little boy, who now seems to be ‘outgrowing his skin problem’ and learning to belong, to be just another plucky South African Kid, with many hopes and dreams of a good future, now very much more visible to him than before.

Thank you to GAP for your support of this wonderful Boy, he is going to make us all very, very proud!

By Henry Matthews - SOS Africa, SA President

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