Joyce, one of the young women in our Kantolomba community and a budding reporter, became ill recently. Rechel, a nurse and Theresa’s assistant, took her to the hospital. After tests revealed Joyce’s condition, she and Rechel learned from the medical team that her symptoms are early warning signs that can be used to catch issues sooner. Joyce underwent surgery and is now resting and recuperating with the support of the team.
After the surgery, Rechel shared that what happened to Joyce has reminded them all of how important it is to teach girls to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention early. For cultural reasons, Joyce had not opened up about her discomfort, keeping her pain to herself for quite some time until it became severe. Rechel observed how they need to start talking about these issues, creating a safe space in which they feel comfortable opening up and discussing what they are going through.
Rechel’s reflection, on what happened and the lessons coming from it, illustrates how she and our other young women are growing into the next generation of this community, walking in the footsteps of Theresa and the cooperative. They are stepping into critical roles—reporting, learning, and sharing—strengthening the health and wellbeing of all.
Gasshō,
Sreedevi
