Meet Charles, a young man from Zambia who lives with significant disabilities. For years, he relied on an old, broken wheelchair that left him stuck indoors, dependent on his mother for mobility.
But when Joni and Friends Wheels for the World team provided Charles with a custom-fitted wheelchair and the Gospel message, his life changed forever.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Amelia – Assistant Seating Therapist, Wheels For The World
My name is Amelia. I’m currently studying physiotherapy at the University of Sydney. I’m serving as an assistant sitting therapist with the Wheels For Whe world team here in Zambia. We met Charles and his mum at our clinic. It was truly so special to hear his story. Charles has hydrocephalus and also dwarfism, including quite severe contractions in his legs, in his arms that he hadn’t received medical help for.
When we saw his wheelchair that he’d been using for as long as he could remember, the tires were completely worn down. It was totally rusted out and he could barely move because the brakes weren’t working. He also had sticks and pieces of wood holding together parts of the chair and plastic where the foot rest was meant to be.
So his posture was really affected by that. He just wasn’t comfortable in his chair that he was in. Charles, being 21, is the same age as me, and I found that really special to be able to work with him. And I think we really connected. It was really impactful to me that his mum still has to carry him around.
He has to spend most of his day and his week inside because he’s not able to get outside. Charles never stopped smiling. Just had such a happy outlook and happy attitude. He just loves having a good conversation with you. When I met Charles, his mum, at the beginning of the day, she was quite reserved and quiet. She didn’t really open up much about the situation at home.
I think she might have just been a bit hesitant. But as the day went on, her face was lighting up because she was just so thankful and just overwhelmed with joy. This is my first time serving on a Wheels for the World team, and it’s my first time in Africa, and it’s truly been such an encouraging and inspiring experience for me.
Not only have I just learned so much about how to serve people better. I’ve just been so touched by the generosity and the beautiful hearts that these Zambian people have. They are truly the most joyful people and they all have such beautiful smiles, and it’s just been such a joy to be able to get to know them and their stories.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Amelia – Assistant Seating Therapist, Wheels For The World
Recording Location
Zambia
Organization featured in this Story
Joni and Friends – www.joniandfriends.org
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