It’s strange how an otherwise healthy boy could lose a leg, but not his life, when a train ran over him.
But that’s the story told by both the 12-year-old boy and his sister, when they came to The Luke Commission outreach looking for a Mobility Worldwide mobility cart, from the DeMotte, Indiana donors and volunteers.
Three and a half years ago, Gcina Nkambule and a friend were walking home from a traditional Liswati wedding. It was a long trek, and the boys lay down to rest for a few moments. Why they chose a spot right next to the railroad, they are not sure. Maybe it was cooler in the heat of a Eswatini summer day. Maybe they were just being boys and playing.
The boys, nonetheless, fell asleep. Apparently, Gcina unknowingly draped his leg over the tracks. A passing train surprised them while the boys slept and hit Gcina in the right leg. His life was spared but his right leg was crushed.
Today, Gcina is so shy that it was difficult to understand exactly what happened. But the result of the accident is no less apparent, although details are sketchy. The right leg was amputated.
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| Gcina, his sister, and his nephew celebrate the gift of a new mobility cart from Mobility Worldwide. It’s a grand day at a Luke Commission outreach in rural Eswatini. |
In Eswatini education is valued, but children must complete one grade successfully before advancing to the next. Gcina is only in grade two despite his age.
“This cart will help me at school,” he said. “I am too thankful to the people in North America who made this for me.”
Gcina has mastered the use of crutches, but getting to school on crutches is tedious and difficult, and some days he just doesn’t make it. “Not any more will I miss,” he beamed.
Hearing about the carts from the head teacher, Gcina did not know what they were called and had not seen one built.
“When he was told at school that The Luke Commission was coming, he asked me to help him get here,” said his sister. “This is a happy day for us all.”
The Luke Commission teams realize time and time again what a privilege it is to have Mobility Worldwide mobility carts to give to disabled Emaswati, whatever age and whatever the story behind their disabilities.
by Janet Tuinstra with gratitude to those at Mobility Worldwide DeMotte, Indiana, who are always looking for ways to improve the carts and the lives of those who “drive” them.
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| Sun rays highlight Gcina’s joy. Now he can get to school every day. |