JBFC's Extended Family: Mayila

When you see him in his preschool classroom, sitting cross-legged on the carpet, eager to count from one to 50, he looks just like any other kid. In fact, for a little kid who months ago could only speak his tribal language of Kisukuma, he has made great strides in English. But, when Mayila goes anywhere, you can clearly see the struggle that is his entire life.

Mayila and his sister, Yonga, in front of their hut.

Mayila became infected with a rare bacteria, when he was a baby. Due to this infection, he has little to no shin bone and his feet are extremely mangled, making it impossible for him to walk on them. Mayila walks on his hands and knees and does his best to jump, run, and play with his fellow classmates. Many say he is one of the most ornery and definitely the happiest of kids on campus. That makes it even more heartbreaking that his condition was entirely preventable. If Mayila had seen a doctor when he was just a few months old, he would be standing on his own two feet today.

Mayila with JBFC Board Member

 Unfortunately, Mayila’s story of neglect isn’t unique. Two of his sisters were removed from the home (which is a small mud hut just a few miles from campus) and now live at JBFC. Even though his life before JBFC has been what most would consider unbearable, Mayila is now considered one of our many extended family members here at JBFC. Before receiving a scholarship to JBFC, Mayila had a bleak future- his family didn’t want to send him to any school and he was lucky to get one sparse meal per day. However, thanks to the generosity of our supporters at JBFC, Mayila and many other students like him are able to study, receive two meals a day, and have hope for a brighter future.

Chris Gates is the Executive Director and Founder of JBFC.