Nine years old and all boy, that’s how you’d describe Malik. A typical kid who thought a good day entailed soccer and some time to make model cars out of rubbish he could find lying around.
It was common for Malik and his siblings to greet teachers and other staff as they walked or drove home from work at The Shelter. Almost every day they would run alongside the car or teachers, laughing and waving as staff passed by. Malik is a good kid with good parents who work hard hard to provide for their family, and this interaction was a daily highlight for all.
But, in an instant, everything changed.
Earlier this year, one of the teachers at The Shelter was walking home a little later than usual. When she came around the corner where she’d often find Malik and his friends, she noticed something was different. Something was wrong. Typically a scene full of laughter, she was greeted by faces of fear, shock, and tears.
There had been an accident. She rushed over to see what had happened, and that’s when she found him. Malik, once full of energy and joy, was lying next to a collapsed wall– one arm and leg detached.
In a panic, she raced to call his parents and find some sort of transportation to get Malik to the hospital. His father was located quickly and a motorcycle was able to carry them to the local hospital. The day got worse when the local hospital was unable to help, and they had to rush to the next town almost two hours away.
One minute climbing on a wall turned into a life altering event. It’s a miracle Malik survived this accident.
Yet, there’s more to Malik’s story.
After Malik was released from the hospital, the ongoing need was apparent. His school was a very long walk up and down rocky terrain. He wouldn’t be able to get there. In addition, the school had already let him know they wouldn’t be able to accommodate him.
This is when the staff, teachers, and kids at The Shelter were reminded once again why Oasis exists. This was their time to support their community in a tangible way. However, Malik was worried about how the kids would treat him. He had already experienced staring and shock from neighbors when they’d come to visit.
But, the kids came anyway.
They started visiting Malik. They’d take him puzzles, games, and learning materials. They would find games he could play, and they would spend time together in his home.
After a few weeks, Malik was enrolled in school at The Shelter. It’s not rare to find him on a bicycle being pushed around by some of the other kids or hopping around on the basketball court. The staff and children have shown him the love, support, and acceptance he needs.
Through a program we call Guardian Care, Oasis is able to impact the surrounding community – not just children in full-time care at The Shelter. This program helps with access to medical care and physical therapy and allows Malik to get a quality education.
Today, the social worker on site is working with his mom and a hospital 7 hours away for him to be fitted with prosthetic limbs.
We are thankful God moved on behalf of Malik. We are thankful for staff who slow down enough to notice when something looks off. We are thankful for people like you who help make this story continue!
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