For years, going to school meant being carried 12 kilometres on the back of her elderly grandmother. Now, 13-year-old Talandila Ayimi has a new way to reach her classroom.
A report by Malawi24 on the challenges facing the Standard Two learner at Mponda Primary School, Machinjiri Village in Balaka has caught the attention of Gift of the Givers Malawi.
The organisation has donated a wheelchair worth about K1.5 million, giving Talandila the mobility she had long needed to continue her education with greater independence.
Talandila has a physical disability that prevents her from walking or crawling. She is also unable to speak and communicates through gestures.
Before receiving the wheelchair, Talandila relied on her elderly grandmother, Lilian Majawa, to carry her to and from school, covering a distance of about 12 kilometres each day.
Her story was highlighted by Malawi24, attracting the attention of Gift of the Givers Malawi, which responded by providing the wheelchair to support her mobility and enable her to continue attending school with greater ease.
Speaking to Malawi24, the organisation’s Communications Manager, Salimu Martin, said Talandila’s story had deeply touched its management.
“The management of Gift of the Givers was deeply touched by Talandila’s story, and we are happy that today Talandila Ayimi has received this support,” said Martin.
He said Gift of the Givers Malawi implements humanitarian programmes in areas including education, health, water and sanitation, agriculture, food security and community development.
Talandila lost both her parents at a young age and is being raised by Majawa, who also cares for other orphaned children while relying on small businesses to support the household.
Majawa said the wheelchair would significantly reduce the physical burden of caring for her granddaughter.
“I have been carrying her to and from school every day. This wheelchair will make things much easier for both of us and help her continue with her education,” she said.
Talandila’s special needs teacher, Christian Mindyera, previously described her academic performance as impressive despite the challenges she faces.
Mindyera said the wheelchair is expected to improve Talandila’s mobility and independence while making it easier for her to attend school and participate in various activities.
A report by Malawi24 on the challenges facing the Standard Two learner at Mponda Primary School, Machinjiri Village in Balaka has caught the attention of Gift of the Givers Malawi.
The organisation has donated a wheelchair worth about K1.5 million, giving Talandila the mobility she had long needed to continue her education with greater independence.
Talandila has a physical disability that prevents her from walking or crawling. She is also unable to speak and communicates through gestures.
Before receiving the wheelchair, Talandila relied on her elderly grandmother, Lilian Majawa, to carry her to and from school, covering a distance of about 12 kilometres each day.
Her story was highlighted by Malawi24, attracting the attention of Gift of the Givers Malawi, which responded by providing the wheelchair to support her mobility and enable her to continue attending school with greater ease.
Speaking to Malawi24, the organisation’s Communications Manager, Salimu Martin, said Talandila’s story had deeply touched its management.
“The management of Gift of the Givers was deeply touched by Talandila’s story, and we are happy that today Talandila Ayimi has received this support,” said Martin.
He said Gift of the Givers Malawi implements humanitarian programmes in areas including education, health, water and sanitation, agriculture, food security and community development.
Talandila lost both her parents at a young age and is being raised by Majawa, who also cares for other orphaned children while relying on small businesses to support the household.
Majawa said the wheelchair would significantly reduce the physical burden of caring for her granddaughter.
“I have been carrying her to and from school every day. This wheelchair will make things much easier for both of us and help her continue with her education,” she said.
Talandila’s special needs teacher, Christian Mindyera, previously described her academic performance as impressive despite the challenges she faces.
Mindyera said the wheelchair is expected to improve Talandila’s mobility and independence while making it easier for her to attend school and participate in various activities.
