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| JUST CAUSE | |
Elsa's Story
It can be easy to take our education for granted. For Elsa, going to school and learning new things is an opportunity her family never thought she’d have.
Elsa proudly displays her school book bag. As she sits, she places the bag in her lap and puts one had protectively on top. On the front is a colourful logo, and the words ‘lepra tem cura!’ (leprosy is curable).The bag was given to Elsa, along with her books and other materials for school, by TLM Mozambique. Elsa is being supported by the Iphiro Yohoolo project. It enables children, like Elsa, to receive an education. TLM takes care of any school fees, provides books, equipment and uniforms so that the child’s family does not have the burden of these additional costs.
Although Elsa herself has not had leprosy, her grandfather did. And it is Elsa’s grandparents who are her main carers. Elsa is just eight years old but she’s already experienced hardship. Her mother died in childbirth, and her father left soon after.When Elsa is asked what she likes most about the sponsorship scheme, she says: ‘It helps my grandparents. They don’t have to worry about paying for the books for me.’
Elsa is in Grade 5. Next year she will go to a bigger school in another village. It’s a long walk but she doesn’t mind.
Every afternoon Elsa packs up her book bag. After lunch she waves goodbye to her grandparents; they are working diligently on the land that surrounds their thatched home, growing maize, peanuts and cassava. She hurries quickly along the dusty track next to the house, running to catch up with friends. Once at school, she looks forward to her maths lessons. She dreams of becoming a teacher when she’s older, perhaps even working at a school in the big town.Elsa’s dream would not have much chance of becoming a reality without the support of TLM. Having leprosy can affect the whole family. It usually occurs in places of extreme poverty; people affected by the disease can struggle to make a living, often becoming poorer, and their spouses and children can suffer. Projects like Iphiro Yohoolo give disadvantaged children and young people the chance to have a hope and a future.
Text justcause to 60300 to add your voice to our cry for justice for people like Elsa
UK only, alternatively, if you're outside the UK
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