Mukonyezi is an eleven-year-old boy from Uganda in Primary Five. His favorite classes are English and Science. He also likes music and playing games. Mukonyezi’s mother is a Primary School Teacher. She can’t afford to pay for her son’s surgery because her salary is little and she struggles to pays for the education of eight children; four are her own and the other four are orphans. Mukonyezi’s father is a clinical officer but he is looking for a job.
Three months ago, Mukonyezi developed a swelling on his abdomen. He feels a lot of pain when he bends and after meals. His mother took him to a clinic where he was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, which occurs when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the belly button. He was advised to have surgery, but his mother couldn’t afford to pay for it.
Due to the pain, he is unable to do any physical exercises with fellow students at school. His performance in class last term declined because he didn’t attend class regularly due to sickness. If not treated, the hernia could become become stuck, leading to damage to the intestine or even the stomach.
$249 will cover the costs of the surgery and care Mukonyezi needs. After surgery, Mukonyezi’s mother hopes he will be able to study well, have a good appetite, become healthy, and regain his weight.