The Other Kids Have Their Legs, I Have My Wheels

Wau – A few bursts of laughter can be heard from the courtyard of Friendship Kindergarten and Primary School in Wau, a town in northwestern South Sudan.

It has just gone past 3 PM and although the school bell sounded hours ago, some students are still on the school premises studying for the end of year examinations which start in a couple of days.

Among the group of students in the courtyard is 18-year-old Elia Batista Balash who is in his final year of primary school.

As soon as we walk in, Elia gears into host mode and insists that we meet near the staff room where it is quieter and has some shade. The perfect gentleman.

Elia grabs the sides of his wheelchair and, accompanied by his friend, they come towards us.  

It is almost five years since Elia Batista was first diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a disease that affects the joints and muscles, which left him paralyzed in both legs. He lives with his mother who single-handedly supports Elia and his six siblings after the death of his father two years ago.

“Life has not been easy, but we are coping,” says Elia Batista.

After he lost use of his legs, Elia was forced to stay at home for two years because he could not move. His family, struggling to make ends meet, could not afford to buy him a wheelchair to help him get around.

“I missed school, I missed my friends. I was very sad,” he said.

A local organization based in Wau Town called Women Development Group, gifted Elia with a wheelchair which allowed him to return to school. The women’s group have also been helping to pay for his school fees.

“I do not feel left out at school - the other kids have their legs, I have my wheels.”

“Besides, the teachers like me because I never miss school and I am always punctual,” says Elia with a giggle.

With ambitions of becoming an engineer, Elia said that during the two years that he was out of school he never lost hope that he would one day be back in the classroom learning to read and write.  

A team from the International Organization for Migration’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene unit conducted household visits to communities in Wau, including Elia’s, to raise awareness on the handling of safe water and the importance of handwashing and best hygiene practices.   

“My personal hygiene has greatly improved after receiving knowledge from the IOM team about washing my hands after using the latrine and not leaving food uncovered,” said Elia Batista.  

In a country that has been engulfed in a civil war since it gained independence in July 2011, access to services for persons with disabilities like Elia has been challenging. Although a ramp was built at home and in school to help him move with ease, Elia admits that it is not always easy using his wheelchair because of the inaccessible environment in his community.    

“I need a lot of energy to roll my wheels because the roads are not good. I worry that after I finish my exams and go to high school, I will have problems moving there.”

A savvy Facebook user, Elia said that he uses social media to chat to his friends when he is feeling down and wants an outlet. His work as a barber in the bustling market square in Wau town during school holidays also helped to keep him busy and make money to help his family.

With exams quickly approaching, Elia remains upbeat; he says he is not feeling nervous. He still holds on the dream of becoming an engineer.  

“Sometimes dreams come true, sometimes they don’t – but I trust that I will be lucky and realise my dream,” said Elia Batista.   

This article was written by Liatile Putsoa, IOM South Sudan Media and Communications Officer.