Sylvester’s Smile Returns Thanks to a Tricycle
This is the story of Sylvester, a boy whose bright smile and boundless energy once knew no bounds. Born healthy and full of life, Sylvester enjoyed childhood like any other. By age three, he was walking confidently, exploring the world around him. But everything changed when he reached Grade 7.
Sylvester was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, an incurable condition that gradually affected his mobility. His mother, Scolastica Hamwiinga, recalls the moment she first noticed something was wrong.
“His problem started when he was in Grade 7,” she explains. “I noticed that one of his legs was becoming longer than the other.”
Despite the physical pain and increasing difficulty in walking, Sylvester pushed himself to keep going. He managed to pass Grade 7, but life became a daily struggle.
“It became hard for him to ride his bicycle to school,” Scolastica says, her voice tinged with sadness. “One of his legs was weak, and he often fell.”
Sylvester recounts his own experience:
“I started failing to pedal like before. I’d fall off my bicycle and have to wait for someone passing by to help me back on. It was very painful.”
Seeing her son struggle broke Scolastica’s heart. Without regular transport, she often relied on neighbours to help Sylvester reach school.
“When there was no bicycle, Sylvester had to stay home,” she says softly. “The distance from home to school is long, and it was hard for him to get there.”
On the days Sylvester made it to class, he felt the separation from his friends.
“I couldn’t play with my friends anymore,” he shares quietly. “I just sat in class and watched them play.”
By the time Sylvester reached Grade 10, his condition worsened, and walking was no longer possible. But just when it seemed things couldn’t get any harder, help arrived.
“That’s when World Vision came through and provided crutches for Sylvester,” Scolastica recalls with relief.
The crutches made a world of difference.
“I was able to use the crutches to go to school and come back,” Sylvester says, a bright smile returning to his face. “But over time, my hands started to get weak and tired.”
Recognizing his growing needs, World Vision provided a wheelchair through its Gift-in-Kind program.
“That changed everything,” Sylvester exclaims. “Now I can go to school by myself, play outside with my friends, and I don’t feel alone anymore.”
Sylvester’s outlook on life has transformed.
“I believe I will finish school and become a doctor so I can help children like me,” he says with unwavering determination. “Thank you, World Vision.”
For Scolastica, seeing her son smile again is a priceless gift.
“I haven’t seen Sylvester this happy in a long time,” she says, her eyes full of gratitude. “Thank you, World Vision, for bringing back my son’s joy. I believe he will live a more comfortable and fulfilled life.”
At World Vision, we believe every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves the chance to thrive, dream, and live with dignity. Our commitment to inclusion ensures that children living with disabilities are not left behind because every child deserves to be included.