Nakwetu is a 12-year-old student from Tanzania who just finished primary school. She is the youngest in her large family, with eight older siblings. She carries herself with a sense of responsibility and quiet determination as she helps her mother with household chores and running errands in the village, such as fetching water, gathering firewood, or walking to the market. Nakwetu dreams of going to college in the future to become a seamstress. She has a deep love for Maasai cultural fabrics and envisions the beautiful clothes she will create. She practices by wrapping and stitching bits of cloth into miniature dresses.
Nakwetu was diagnosed with genu varum, a condition in which the leg turns inward. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Several factors can cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. Nakwetu’s condition has worsened and begun to interfere with her mobility, making it harder for her to walk long distances and do simple tasks without discomfort.
On April 9th, she will undergo surgery that will help restore her mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $631 to fund this treatment for Nakwetu.
Nakwetu says, “I wish for my leg to get better so that I can fulfill my dreams.”

