We are all little Ropafadzo

She is just like all the eight-yearolds in this country who are finding their way through the challenges of primary school.

The only difference between her, and many of her age mates, is that she is living with a disability.

She was born without both hands and both legs.

It’s a very unique condition and her case was not helped by the lack of a father who should have been providing her with the special support she needs and deserves.

Her father, somehow, decided to dump her, and his family, after she was born because he said he could not stand the sight of his disabled daughter.

He is a coward and an evil man because Ropa did not choose to be born with such a condition.

We also know that this is the work of nature and, even though we don’t want this to happen to any of the people we know, what is clear is that it will always happen.

That’s the reality of our world and it’s also true that there are many kids, of Ropa’s age, who have worse conditions than our little girl.

There are many eight-year-olds in the world who have severe cancers and might not even be there when the year turns in just a week’s time.

Those kids are on their death beds but, even in their final minutes, they are still getting a lot of love from their families and relatives.

Little kids with big dreams grow into big people with big missions in life.

The saying might apply to Karoi whizkid, Ropafadzo Chidhumo, who was born without both legs and hands.

Her mother has remarried while the father has abandoned the little girl.

She is now under the custody of her grandfather who is struggling to make ends meet.

Despite living under harsh conditions, the Grade 3 pupil dreams big.

She wants to be a doctor after school and change other people’s lives.

She has also appealed for artificial legs and hands.

As the people’s paper, which has run similar campaigns over the years, Ropafadzo’s case has touched our readers.

We can easily do it judging by our track record.

We have challenged well-known philanthropists in the mold of Wicknell Chivayo, Scott Sakupwanya, and Mudiwa Hood to use their influence and help Ropa.

We have also taken our campaign to well-known prophets and influencers to assist us and make the campaign successful.

The corporate world can also join us and help change Ropa’s life.

Real influencers should utilise such opportunities and use their power to mobilise help for the Ropa.

She is just a little innocent soul with big dreams, which should come to pass. Such rare cases need a collective hand for us to be able to assist Ropa.

She didn’t choose to be in that situation.

Her rare condition should not dent her dream.

The young girl deserves a chance to be in a school with better facilities.

Of course, we can’t teach rich people how to spend their money but as a newspaper, we are simply playing our role to ensure that Ropa girls help.

Finding a better school and artificial legs for Ropa is what she needs urgently.

With the rainy season now upon us, Ropa should not be exposed to bad weather when going to school.

Ropa should not miss classes because no one can take her to school.

She needs to be loved and given the same comfort other able-bodied children enjoy.

Add to that, Ropa cannot afford to live from food handouts from individuals when Zimbabwe has rich people with the means.

This is the time for our influencers to step in and be counted among the real game-changers.

She can’t be exposed to the dangers of walking long distances to and from school. Her condition should not make her feel out of place.

Ropa’s case needs people with a heart of gold to chip in and change the little girl’s life.

As Zimbabweans, we should be known for good deeds.

Sharing and helping the needy are some of the good deeds we need to show this time around.

Let’s change Ropa’s life and make her realise her dreams.