Editorial

This teenage boy crawls to school every day

A 16-year-old boy from Amukura Ward in Busia County goes to school every day by crawling. Gilbert Otieng is a Standard Four pupil at Aderema Primary School. Otieng  is crippled,

  • PublishedSeptember 19, 2019

A 16-year-old boy from Amukura Ward in Busia County goes to school every day by crawling.

Gilbert Otieng is a Standard Four pupil at Aderema Primary School.

Otieng  is crippled, thus can neither stand nor walk. He crawls over 1.5 km  on his knees to get to school. Despite the condition, he has not let it become an obstacle for him. At the age of 11, he told his parents that he wanted to go to school. However, his parents were adamant because of the condition.

Gilbert Otieng’ on his way school. [Photo, Standard Digital]

Otieng says going to school is strenuous because of stones and mud when it rains. In spite of this, his teacher says he is an enthusiastic, above average student. He actively participates in school activities. His favourite subject is English and Mathematics and he wants to be a doctor when he grows up.

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Otieng’s  mother, Rose Apali says that her son was born like any normal child until the age of five when he developed problems.  He is the seventh child in a family of nine.

She says that Gilbert never complains regardless of the hot sun, the rains or the piercing stones that hurt his knees.

A well-wisher, moved by the family’s plea, donated a wheel chair. Busia County  Women Representative has also visited the boy and his family to ascertain living condition.

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