Mehluli struggled to read the letters in his books. Everything was starting to get blurry. He knew he needed help from a doctor. Luckily, Mehluli lived with his siblings at Khayelihle Children’s Village in Zimbabwe. He knew they would help him to get some new glasses!
Mehluli’s elder sister was 17 when she started caring for her three younger siblings. Their mother passed away, and their father left the children while struggling with depression. Mehluli and his siblings were vulnerable without any adults to care for them.
In 2009, someone reported their situation to the Department of Social Welfare. Khayelihle Children’s Village was contacted and cared for Mehluli and his two younger siblings. “I was seven years old,” Mehluli said.
KCV had a significant impact on Mehluli's life. The siblings received a safe and secure home, education, and healthcare. “Meeting up with new parents and new friends developed me socially and emotionally. Now, I have people to share my problems with,” he reflected. KCV also developed me spiritually,” he explained.
While living at KCV, Mehluli experienced health challenges. “All my medical bills were paid for every time when I fell sick. When I had eye complications, KCV paid for my medical bills and bought me a pair of spectacles,” he shared.
KCV also provides the children with new school uniform items each year, such as a new shirt, skirt, shorts, or shoes. A uniform instils confidence in a child, so they proudly wear it to school.
KCV gave Mehluli and his siblings a safe and secure home with people who cared for their well-being. Mehluli attended school with his siblings. Everyone dressed smartly, and Mehluli was excited to wear his new glasses.
Thanks to your support of KCV, Mehluli is now a successful young adult. He is focused on creating a better future for himself. Mehluli is currently completing his second year at university. “If it were not for KCV, I would have never reached this stage,” he said.
Mehluli wants to thank everyone who “had a hand” in supporting him and his siblings.