Note from Jamie:Bewitchment isn't something our Western cultures have been exposed too much, but a harsh/very real, eerie practice in places in Africa.
And whether we understand it or not, or whether it's validated by our research or not (see link at bottom), the fact that children's parents curse them is a sad reality, one I'm happy to see Isma escape, but would like to get him supported through. |
ISMA KISOLO, age 14
Isma’s story:
“Isma's father was a witch doctor and had three wives. His father and wives would always fight and argue. The fights and arguments would escalate to the point where they started to bewitch the children. As a very young child, Isma saw one of his brothers, bewitched. This brother died from the bewitching. Isma became very scared and ran away from his home. Everything that was going on in his home made him fear for his life. He thought that if he stayed he would surely die. Isma came to Kampala and has been living on the streets for over 2 years. Isma wants to go back to school to get an education and also so he can make his dream of becoming a football player come true. Isma’s dream: Isma wants to get an education and become a football (soccer) player. AT4A perspective: When we heard Isma’s story we immediately thought of how many kids can’t wait to get out of school, but there are millions who would give a lot just for the opportunity to get in. Education can be the difference between changing a life, or not. Fact: School fees are not covered by taxes in Uganda like they are in Canada. Every child must pay ~$350/year to go to school. For many children, that makes education out of reach. For ~$1.00/day we can put a new future in the hands of a child like Mike, simply by sending them to school. (Jamie/Patrick – can you please verify the cost of tuition?) Fact: According to the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, it is believed that 6% of deaths in South Africa are caused by bewitchment. Ref: (http://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2011/04/22/jech.2010.124305.full) |