Justina

Name: Justina Kapiliya
Admitted to Mercy Touch on March 14, 2011
Report by Kathryn Seib
Background information as learned from her Mother, Doris Kapiliya and Elizabeth Kroeker, volunteer Canadian worker with Seeds of Hope – Grace Academy, Kabwe Road. 

Conceived in Kitwe (possibly a one night stand) her mother was/is not in a relationship with the biological father. After giving birth they and moved to Ndola, where Doris met and married her current husband, and moved into his community near Tug-agan, Kabwe Road, where a lot of his family stays. Justina was considered an outcast due to her condition of epilepsy and superstitious beliefs about it. Also she was not accepted because she was not from the current marriage union and other children soon born to the couple. Mother says that she loves her child but for the sake of the marriage allowed the neglect and abuse to occur. 

Justina was identified in a feeding program sponsored by Seeds of Hope and was also sent to school (Grace Academy) in about May of 2010 where she was given special assistance. She had never been to school and didn’t know how to do simple things like hold a pencil. Also although she could give an explanation regarding her drawings, they were mere scribbles. She started grade one in January 2011. Elizabeth became further aware of Justina’s living situation, such as Justina’s was being left on a sack to sleep while the rest of the family (5 members) shared the bed. Also she was not given a blanket.

There was reported to be some sexual abuse involved. Reportedly not by the step father, but with his knowledge. Justina can’t seem to clarify this, but her physical reaction would suggest yes. (She was reported to quickly adjust her sitting position to protect her private area, putting her hands in front). Elizabeth states that Social Welfare had been informed of the decision. Seeds of Hope didn’t have any room for Justina so they approached us to take her, which we did on an emergency temporary basis with a possible long term situation providing all channels were pursued. Justina came to stay on March 14^th, 2011. When she came there were several unexplainable bad burns on her face, back and leg. The burns have been cleaned and monitored consistently and are healing well.

Justina takes medicine for the epilepsy and she is not as likely to get seizures when she takes her medicine consistently. House Mother, Patricia Mbao met with Doris and Elizabeth on March 26, 2011 where some if the above information was obtained. Patricia was also very strong in communicating to Doris that if she signed over authority to Mercy Touch we would be responsible for raising her to adulthood with no intervening on her part. She also explained proper visiting procedures. We also learned that the Justina’s mother is HIV positive.

Observations show that Justina is an outgoing, talkative, playful girl. She likes attention and is strong willed. She is adjusting to living in the home well and needs consistency and supervision. She is very happy and seems to be adjusting well. She doesn’t get frustrated by the new things to learn and can easily get the others laughing.

Justina loves to dance and sing. She likes to pretend she can read. She doesn’t like to sit still and doesn’t enjoy watching TV. She loves to run and play and is eager to involve others. She loves to tell stories, and all her stories include forms of abuse the most common being the baby getting beaten. She is learning English well and can understand simple, clear commands or questions. She happily will attempt to converse in English but does not like to verbally participate during devotions as of yet.