Joyce is a 12-year-old from Kenya. She is a sixth grader who loves Math. Joyce is the firstborn in a family of two children and is being raised by her single mother, who relies on casual farming jobs to provide for the family. As Joyce was growing up, developmental milestones were noticeably delayed. She sat independently at nearly one year of age and began walking when she was almost two years old. By the age of three, she could only speak a few simple words. Relieved that her daughter had finally started talking, her mother enrolled her in school. Once Joyce began primary school, her teachers noticed that she had difficulty hearing. At home, her mother also realised she often had to repeat herself several times before Joyce understood what was being said. "The teacher gives her tasks, but she struggles with almost everything. I am so worried," her mother says. Although she is eager to learn and loves reading, her untreated hearing loss makes it hard for her to understand classroom instructions, causing her to fall behind academically. "Joyce loves reading, but she cannot understand the instructions she is given, so she is falling behind," her mother explains. Joyce was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. She was diagnosed with hearing loss and was advised to use hearing aids to improve her hearing and communication. Unfortunately, the cost of the hearing aids is far beyond what her family can afford. On July 7th, Joyce will be fitted with hearing aids, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting help raising $1,171. The hearing aids will give Joyce a better chance to fully participate in class, excel in her education, and pursue her dreams with confidence. "I love mathematics," Joyce says with a smile. "One day, I want to become a teacher so I can help children learn and enjoy mathematics just as much as I do."

Ben is a 77-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. He has four sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren. Presently, he lives with his aging wife, and the couple gets support from their children. Ben likes to join ceremonies at the pagoda. About one year ago, Ben developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Ben learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 6th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Ben and his family are contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $213 more to fund the surgery. He says, "I hope that after surgery my eye will see better, and I won't have to worry when I wish to join the ceremonies at the pagoda."

Mao is a 34-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives in a rural area of Battambang province with his wife and their young daughter, who is a kindergarten student. His wife is also a rice farmer. During his free time, he enjoys In his free time, he helps his wife with farm work and takes care of his daughter at home. Mao was involved in a traffic accident in November 2025. The accident caused a fracture and nerve injury, resulting in an inability to extend his left wrist. Due to this limitation, he has difficulty working as a rice farmer, carrying farming tools, and performing heavy physical labor. The weakness and loss of wrist movement also affect his independence in daily life, making it challenging for him to support his family and earn income. He needs to undergo a tendon and nerve repair procedure to help regain strength and mobility. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Mao receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo the tendon and nerve repair procedure on February 26th. Mao can contribute $50, but needs help to raise $651 more to fund his procedure and care. Mao said, “I hope after treatment I will be able to move my wrist again, return to my farm work, and take care of my family without difficulty or pain.”