This girl is Lisulo. She was born on December 24^th, 1996. That makes her 5 years old. But, she only weighs a little over 20 lbs. That is less than the boy Joshua on the left who is only two. This is caused by a severe lack of food. Her growth has been stunted because of malnutrition. According to the United Nations, 59% of Zambian children are severely malnourished or stunted. In spite of her small size, she is an alert and articulate child.

During the first few days at Kids Alive she stayed at the Shilyai’s. Because of her ill health, we wanted to give her extra attention and food. She knows what she likes and doesn’t like and doesn’t mind telling you. After finishing three courses at one meal, she asked for some bread. So, Lori picked up a loaf to cut off a piece. When she saw Lori with the whole loaf, she said "No that is too much for me."

Lisulo’s father died and her mother could not find employment. The unemployment rate here is 80%. She went to live with her uncle but he also died. She had no other living relatives and felt she had no choice but to find a man to take care of her. The man she found was a drunkard who beat her and neglected Lisulo. We found them living in this shelter.

To get in they would lift up a metal scrap and crawl in through the top. They slept on the ground with Lisulo at their feet. When it rained, Lisulo would get soaked. The neighbors had pity on this little girl and informed us of the situation.

Lisulo now lives in a modern home with her 11 new brothers and sisters. She has her own bed with a mattress and blankets. She takes a hot bath and eats three square meals every day (more sometimes).  Perhaps the most encouraging thing is she now smiles and laughs a lot.  She never used to smile or laugh.  Maybe now she has a reason.

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