Courage and hope - Powerpoints for Midula

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Midula (16) sits in her wheelchair in front of her computer, keenly observing the work of her little student who is creating some 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.

Eight years ago, life was completely different for Midula, who lives in the remote village of Naruvilikulam in Mannar in 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 to give her daughter as normal a life as possible, despite the financial hardships of the family. “My elder daughters and I taught Midula to read and write while she was lying down because she could not attend school. I took her to Church every Sunday.” said Midula’s mother.  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.

The advent of World Vision into the area changed her life forever. Midula was sponsored by World Vision and the family felt a measure of relief as most of her expenses were met through the sponsorship. As Midula grew older however, it became more and more difficult to cope with the increasing expenses of her treatment and physiotherapy. Midula’s father, a farmer, struggled to ensure his older children studied and that Midula was getting the medical treatment she required. When her parents were advised that surgery to straighten and strengthen her spinal cord could improve her condition, they knew the cost was far more than they could bear.

“We wanted the best for our child, but we just could not afford it,” recalled Midula’s mother. “It was at this time that World Vision came to our aid and offered to bear the entire cost of the surgery.” The critical surgery was performed when Midula was 8.  With the faith and support of her family, she made it through the painful days of recovery and physiotherapy. Slowly, she was able to sit up in a chair and for the first time could keep her head raised. Now, she can even stand up and walk a few steps with help.

By this time, it was too late for Midula to join school and attend lessons appropriate for her own age, so she continued to study at home. “She really enjoys learning” says Midula’s mother. “She is well loved by everyone and has many friends. She was never cast aside by our community even before the surgery. Everyone loved and accepted her”, she said. When the Mannar ADP initiated a Child Society, Midula then 13 years old, was quick to join with her friends. The difficulties of travelling and the location of the meetings however, meant that Midula stopped participating, although she badly wanted to continue.

Her 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 come to 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 little friends, actively participating in the meetings and enjoying the banter. “I love everything about the Child Society – but my favourite part is the games”, says Midula, beaming.

When World Vision organised a computer class nearby, Midula also participated, following the lessons from the back of the class. The instructor gave her special tutoring and practical sessions. Midula showed a liking for PowerPoint and was good with Excel and Word, so the computer was gifted to her. Despite her difficulties, Midula has shown her generosity by giving lessons to her little friends in the Child Society. Even youths come to her for lessons. Now that she is busy, she is compelled to allocate classes. “I give lessons to adults in the morning and to children in the evening.” explains Midula. Since she wants to help her family, a nominal fee of Rs. 10/– 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.

A visit from the Programme Officer of World Vision Australia gave Midula a further boost. “I was so happy with that visit. The officer spent time with me, encouraged me and even showed me how to type faster on the computer. I can use this knowledge to do some typing work for others and bring an additional income for my family. My sponsors also write to me all the time and they always encourage me,” she says. 

Her mother is immensely proud. “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.”

However, Midula’s story doesn’t end there. Big things are heading her way. She is now the President of the Child Society. Her friends run towards her in welcome as she is wheeled into the garden to commence the meeting. “We are going to plan lots of activities this year,” says a visibly excited Midula. “Let’s get started!”