Twenty-two-year-old Yeku Mbeleko from the Omega Three settlement in the Kongola Constituency is facing worsening health complications, a failing wheelchair, and financial strain that have once again disrupted his education.
Despite previous government interventions to help him return to the classroom, the ongoing costs of essential hygiene and medical supplies continue to block his path.
Mbeleko has lived with kyphosis, a condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine, since childhood.
His condition worsened in 2022 when pain in his lower limbs left him dependent on a wheelchair, forcing him to leave school while in Grade 9.
Following an NBC News report last year and assistance from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Mbeleko returned to the hostel at Ndoro Memorial Combined School in January 2026.
However, by June, his health had deteriorated further, once again disrupting his education.
"So those are the challenges which bring me out from school. Also the wound, the sore, is just here and also on my waist – those are the things I explained. Those are the things I was suffering. Also the wheelchair – it's also giving me a problem. When I was there inside the hostel, some friends of my classmates were assisting me, but others they were not. Always I used to push myself, going to the class and also going to the toilet."
Mbeleko also struggles with bowel control and requires nappies. The expense places further strain on his monthly disability grant, which must cover his other basic needs.
"So my wish, I'm still asking, is maybe other ministries also to assist me because the condition I am in is very difficult, but I'm living. But not much. I'm not happy always, but I used to laugh with people to show them that I'm not feeling okay or to not show them that I'm feeling bad or to show them that I'm happy always, but I'm not happy. I'm thinking too much."
Ndoro Memorial Combined School principal Linus Sipopo remembers Mbeleko as a bright and active learner who could walk, play soccer and participate in school activities alongside his peers.
"And he's still a very brilliant boy. Only that I remember 2020 we took him to and his other colleagues, learners, I mean. We went to Bukalo because that's when the year we introduced design and technology. So he was very excited to be part of the team. So he was fine. And just after that, 2021, to cut the story short, that's when we see now he started developing those ailments."
Since then, the school has sought assistance from social workers, government ministries and regional leadership in an effort to support Mbeleko. However, the principal says the assistance received so far has been limited.
Sipopo believes Mbeleko would benefit from a specialised school or another suitable educational facility closer to medical services, where his educational, physical and personal care needs could be better accommodated.