
At home: Helena outside the home her sons are building for her
Despite being unable to walk, Helena is able to focus on all that she has
Alcidio Pangaia
Helena Wisky, dressed in vibrant florals, sits on the ground outside a house that is being built.
The house, made of thin poles and mud plaster, will have four rooms. It is surrounded by gardens of maize and other vegetables that she has planted herself, with the help of her three young sons.
A majestic tree extends its branches at the back of her property and next to it is a neat outbuilding which houses a specially built latrine.
Cheerful in adversity
Helena can no longer walk. She shuffles on her knees, using a cane to assist her. But, her disability has not diminished her beautiful smile or contagious laugh. She is as bright and cheerful as her outfit.
“I have very strong arms, from the waist up I will even be able to fight with anybody,” she says laughing and waving her arms about.
Helena does not know what happened to cause the paralysis, but she says it started with a severe headache and a burning sensation in her lower back. From there the pain went to her legs and she was suddenly unable to walk.
Acknowledging her positive attitude, she says: “My sons give me energy and the power to live.”
She tells how her eldest son, Naque Samuel, bought her the land and arranged for the new house to be built. Although he is only 15, he discovered a ruby on a walk one day – the area is known for these precious stones – and with the money he earned from it decided to give his mother a new place to call home.
Own latrine
Her specially built latrine, however, comes from ForAfrika, with funds from Humedica.
Although Helena does have to shuffle across the garden to get to the toilet, she appreciates that it is her own and that it is situated on her own property. Before, she would have to go to her neighbours and rely on their assistance. She said that it made her uncomfortable to do so. The new, concrete latrine has restored her dignity.
“It is a fit for me. Now I have nothing to complain about,” she says with her wide grin. “It makes my life so much easier. It is for me and my sons.”
“I am very grateful for the support I have received, not only from my sons, but from all of you,” she says, laughing again.
Helena is looking forward to the house being completed and watching her newly planted garden grow.
Alcidio Pangaia is Provincial Manager for Cabo Delgado, Mozambique