This page is the future site of a project we are attempting to implement where the Outreach Workers and the Social Workers produce a bimonthly newsletter or update on important activities or inspirational survivor stories. Our first update will be uploaded here by the 10th of September and we will continue to improve this service so that there is a consistent flow of information and documentation of our activities and the impact in the field. Also see one of our featured Survivor Stories below.  Bakala's Story, Published September 23rd. Bakala Dfabachew has been an active member of the Survivor program of Landmine Survivors Network Ethiopia for a year and a 5 months to date. Last week, I accompanied Outreach Worker Asamnew Negash on his monthly monitoring and evaluation visit to check on Bakala and his family. Gangrene, the infamous infection that conjures up images of horrendous injuries and monumental suffering seen in epic conflicts like the American Civil War, was primarily responsible for the loss of Bakala's right leg. Two years ago, he was employed by a telecommunications company, clearing bush and trees on the outskirts of the city for the installation of new power lines. Something went wrong while he was working with a colleague, a pole fell towards him and in the process of attempting escape from further injury, the axe he was using to clear trees fell square on his foot, slicing deep into the flesh and down to the bone.  Hospitalization, Hope Arrives Bakala was immediately hospitalized, but within one month the infection had spread and the hospital proceeded to press for an amputation below his right knee. In the end, the operation was a success, but Bakala's once active life was now severely curtailed. His employment with the telecom company ended and none of his former colleagues visited him at the hospital. Worse, he soon found out that the company refused to pay the salary they owed him at the time of injury and further medical and disability expenses. Bakala reflects upon his former situation, "I was hopeless at the time of the injury and in the hospital I lost even more hope. The injury hurt my mind strongly." During his hospital stint, a much-needed respite from the complex waves of physical and emotional pain arrived in the form of an LSN Outreach Worker, Rahel Abebaw. The frequent visits and peer support that Rahel provided helped to instill new deterimination in Bakala and a strong will to survive.  After Rahel's crucial support and psychological assistance paved the way for Bakala's full recovery, he became a full-fledged Survivor program participant and has benefited immensely from the Network's comprehensive assistance program. LSN has provided economic assistance to Bakala in the form of a grant for the renovation of a room detached from the main house, where Bakala and his wife reside (the children and grandchildren occupy the rooms in the house). Also, the Network provided a link and referral contact with the local Red Cross headquarters, where Bakala was able to acquire his second prosthesis since the injury, which has proved much more flexible and durable, and he is now able to conduct farming activities on the 2 small plots of land he shares with his father on the outskirts of the city.  Based on all this and the continued support/visits from Asamnew, Bakala freely shares his sentiment on LSN's programs: "LSN intervened at the right moment, when I was losing hope. All LSN programs and benefits are deeply rooted in my heart and in my mind and in the heart of my family. My family truly loves LSN for all the hope and opportunities they have provided us."  Lingering Health Issues and an Uncertain Future Despite the substantial pogress made by Bakala, lingerhing health issues remain, especially in the form of a continuing struggle with rising blood-sugar levels. Following the injury and subsequent surgery, Bakala's blood-sugar levels peaked above 300, a dangerous precedent that has reoccurred from time to time. To better control this health issue, Bakala hopes to acquire a 400 birr ($40) machine that regulates and monitors the levels, but the high cost makes it a difficult purchase for a man whose main household income at the moment is the $20 a month pension that comes from his previous employment and retirement fund with the police force. In addition to his blood-sugar complications, the main challenge facing Bakala is economic in nature, as noted above. With 7 children and two grandchildren under one roof and rising prices across all food and fuel sectors of the Ethiopian economy, life has become increasingly difficult. Legal battles with his former employer are also on the horizon as Bakala seeks a ruling that will grant him the basic medical and rehabilitative costs owed him by the Telecom Company. In defiance of these seemingly insurmountable odds, it is clear that Bakala's life has been deeply transformed through his participation with Landmine Survivors Network Ethiopia. The free-flowing gratitude that he displays towars the Network is a testament to the impressive Survivor support and assistance operations that LSN has worked so hard to establish in the greater Addis Ababa persons with disability community. |
|
Home >
News and Views |