In September, kids all across Togo headed back to school. Stark Bode, a child in Hope Through Health’s Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) program, is especially happy to be in the classroom again. At age 15, Stark is the current valedictorian of his class. Not the sophomore class, but the senior class.
- Stark is a hard worker. Here he studies during the midday two-and-a-half hour break, when everyone else is a home taking a nap.
“It’s because of Hope Through Health’s work that Stark is still alive,” says Kapitan Abalo, a Hope Through Health (HTH) staff member. Abalo explained that in 2009, Stark fell very ill. However, his adopted father is a major believer in traditional medicine and hadn’t quite understood the nature of AIDS, and thus was opposed to the idea of taking Stark to a hospital. Through persistent discussions, Abalo and HTH’s Community Health Workers were able to convince Stark’s dad to provide him with modern care. Thanks to the compassion of Hope Through Health’s donors, we had the funding to nurse Stark back to health, covering bills that otherwise would have been impossible for his family to pay. Without the means to pay, he wouldn’t have been treated because patients who can’t pay are turned away. In addition to this health coverage, HTH’s programs allow Stark to benefit from nutrition kits, get his treatment medications at our clinic, have counseling with a Community Health Worker, and receive school supplies to support his studies. Considering his struggle with AIDS, it’s clear where he gets his professional inspiration from. “I want to be a doctor when I grow up,” says Stark, “There are so many people who need help.” And his motivation shows. He gets up every morning at 4:30 so that he can review his lessons. Then, at noon when all of the students head home for the midday break, he stays at school and studies. Hope Through Health is proud to support such an exceptional student. We know that Stark will go on to become a great doctor and contribute to the development of his community. Way to go, Stark!
- Stark writes a message to all of Hope Through Health’s supporters.