Primrose Mandishona
Published May 26, 2009 @ 01:37PM PT
I was around nine months old that day. My mother and grandmother went to the fields. They left me and my sister in the hut where people stay to scare the baboons. My mother came back to find the hut on fire. My sister had pulled me out from the hut but the burning thatch was falling on me.
I was taken to the hospital, and for many years I was receiving treatment. I developed contractures, which affected my posture. I was transferred to Gweru for a graft but it failed. It is by God's grace that I am not a psychiatric patient.
I can't recall the pain, but now because of the pain I see in other children, I know it was painful. I now understand the severity of my burns. I had known the practicalities. I had the experience and now I understand the theory. Today, it's great because I understand the problems and work with them. Especially when I am treating children with burns, placing them in the saline baths, I will say, "You don't have to cry. We want you to be well. I was also burnt when I was very young." And I will show them my scars and they are happier. It becomes much easier for them and for us to treat them.
It has been a long journey to become a physiotherapist. I applied in 2000 and got a "regret". I applied again only to receive another "regret". The Principal, Mr Tarasana, wrote to me giving advice. I applied again and got an interview. I told them, "No matter how many times you regret me, I will not give up." I got my place. I knew it was the job for me.
I want people to feel secure. I help people who are disabled believe they have a place in society just like everybody else.
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