Believing in Potential
Eighteen-year-old Midula sits in her wheelchair in front of her computer, keenly observing the work of her little student who are creating colourful slides.
Midula then points to the screen and prompts her student to click on the correct menu.
As the lesson ends, the next student eagerly runs towards his teacher, and as always, is greeted with a warm smile.
BELIEVING IN POTENTIAL, NOT RESTRICTION
Ten years ago life was completely different for Midula, who lives in a remote part of northern Sri Lanka.
Born with a curved spinal cord, she was not able to sit up or raise her head. However, Midula’s mother was determined. She wanted her daughter to have as normal a life as possible, despite the family’s financial hardships.
“My older daughters and I taught Midula to read and write while she was lying down because she could not attend school,” Midula’s mother says.
As Midula grew older, it became more and more difficult for her family to cope with the expenses of her treatment.
By the time Midula turned 3, she was able to prop herself up for short periods and sometimes even sit on the floor to do her studies.
PARTNERING TO EQUIP A GIRL
When World Vision started working in Midula’s community, the girl’s life began to change. A World Vision donor sponsored Midula and her family felt a measure of relief as many of her expenses were covered.
Still, as Midula grew older, it became more and more difficult for her family to cope with the expenses of her treatment and physiotherapy.
IMPROVING MOBILITY
When Midula’s parents learned that surgery to straighten and strengthen her spinal cord could improve her condition, they knew the cost was far more than they could afford.
“It was at this time that World Vision came to our aid and offered to bear the entire cost of the surgery,” Midula’s mother says.
The surgery was performed when Midula was 8. With the support of her family, she made it through the painful days of recovery and physiotherapy.
Slowly, she learned to sit up in a chair and keep her head raised. Now, she can even stand up and walk a few steps with help.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
As she healed, Midula felt ready to join school. But she had missed too much along the way and was forced to study at home.
When World Vision’s area development programme initiated a child society, to help encourage child rights and develop young people’s skills, Midula was 13 years old. She quickly joined her friends at the first meetings.
However, the difficulties of travelling to the meetings meant that Midula stopped participating, although she badly wanted to continue.
MOVING LOCATIONS FOR INCLUSION
Midula’s lively presence was sorely missed at the meetings. To the dynamic young members of the Child Society, the answer was simple.
If Midula could not attend the meetings - they would take the meetings to Midula!
Since then, all meetings have been held at her home. It is quite usual to see Midula, surrounded by her friends, actively participating in the meetings and enjoying the banter.
“I love everything about the Child Society - but my favourite part is the games,” Midula say beaming.
GETTING TECHNICAL – AND THRIVING
When World Vision organized a computer class nearby, Midula signed up. The instructor gave her special tutoring and practical sessions.
Midula showed a liking for PowerPoint and was skilled with Excel and Word, so a computer was gifted to her. Realizing her talents, Midula’s friends soon started asking for lessons. Soon adults too started to sign up.
Now, Midula’s days are full with computer instruction.
“I give lessons to adults in the morning and to children in the evening,” Midula explains.
Since she wants to help her family, a nominal fee is charged per lesson, which the students deposit in the till given to Midula by the Child Society.
“Sometimes, I use the money from my classes to pay the electricity bill,” says Midula, smiling proudly.
LEADING HER FRIENDS, IMPROVING HER COMMUNITY
But Midula’s story doesn’t end there.
In 2013, she was appointed President of the Child Society.
Together with her committee, Midula organized a cleaning campaign for Dengue prevention at a location close to her home.
Another of the year’s highlights for Midula and her friends was when they participated in the ‘Tikiri Shilpa’ TV programme, when they were able to display their talents.
Having completed her term, Midula is happy to be back as a regular member of the Child Society. The meetings are still held at her house and she still enjoys them very much.
Her mother is immensely proud of her daughter.
“After the surgery, we have seen so many changes, not just in Midula, but also within our family. Midula is very confident now and because of the Child Society, she is so happy.”