Saruni is a 10-year-old girl from Tanzania. She comes from a large culturally polygamous family with over twenty siblings. Her father is a cattle breeder and farmer who does not earn much from the livelihood. Due to this, Saruni was forced to drop out of school two years ago because her school fees could not be paid. She started working when she was very young as a house manager in people’s houses. She has grown to be a very responsible girl.
In early 2022, while Saruni was preparing tea for the employer, she tripped over while carrying a pot with hot tea, burning her left arm. She was taken to a military hospital for treatment where she received treatment for her wounds that took months for them to heal. Burn scar contractures have now developed, tightening the skin around her burn. Now she finds it difficult to straighten her arm or carry a load that requires two capable hands.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Saruni receive treatment. On March 2nd, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to treat the damaged skin around her elbow. This will increase the extension of her elbow and will reduce the pain she feels when she tries to use her arm. Her father can’t afford to pay for the treatment and he is asking for help to fund this $639 procedure.
Saruni says, “I am happy that I am going to get treatment and my arm will be better.”