‘The experience would not have been possible without the emotional and financial support I’m receiving from my sponsors through the Children in the Wilderness Programme and Rotary Club of Victoria Falls, and for this I am forever grateful. My prayer is that the foundation continues to prosper and to touch other children like me in every way possible”.
As CITW stands for education and all the good it can bring, CITW Zambezi is pleased to share Larry’s story as our first newsletter for 2019.
Growing up in central Zimbabwe, Larry lived with his mother and older sibling after losing his father at a young age. His mother sews chitenge products (African printed materials), a business that has supported their family over the years.
Through passion and hard work, Larry achieved straight A’s in his high school examinations in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, giving him many options for further study. In 2017, with the help of Children in the Wilderness, Larry enrolled at the University of Zimbabwe in the College of Health and Sciences to study towards a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. After the first year, Larry undertook his internship at Mutoko Rural District Hospital. This experience enabled him to partake in a variety of surgical procedures, enhancing his knowledge and exposing him to the various day-to-day challenges that doctors face. As part of the programme, the interns visited traditional healers in the surrounding areas. This experience broadened Larry’s mindset, equipping him with an appreciation of modern medicine as well as an understanding of how it can be integrated with traditional medicine. It was through projects at the district hospital that Larry realised just how many people need medical assistance – something that has invoked a passion to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to making a difference where he can.
Larry has also engaged himself in extra-curricular activities since he began studying. He joined the Zimbabwe Medical Schools Association (ZIMSA) and the Christian Medical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (CMFZ). Along with some friends, he also volunteers at Extreme Trans Orphanage which is located near the University campus, tutoring children who are about to write their national exams and offering guidance lessons.
The past two years have provided valuable first-hand experience that will serve Larry well in his future career. He is currently completing his final semester of pre-clinical studies which will culminate in May 2019. After this, Larry is hoping to undertake his clinical studies at the Parirenyatwa Group of hospitals – one of the most renowned hospitals in the country. Larry is convinced that this experience has made him a better person and has enabled him to gain knowledge in medicine as well as life in general. When asked about the past two years, this is what he had to say:
‘The experience would not have been possible without the emotional and financial support I’m receiving from my sponsors through the Children in the Wilderness Programme and Rotary Club of Victoria Falls, and for this I am forever grateful. My prayer is that the foundation continues to prosper and to touch other children like me in every way possible”. We are so proud of Larry and wish him all the best for the coming years.
