Rodrick’s feet are twisted upside down. He has tied rubber soles around his feet to protect their tops and sides as he tries to walk,. The rubber soles look like flip-flop sandals without the upper toe hold, bound by something close to twine.

Rodrick not only manages to walk like this, but he likes playing football with his best friend, Simeon, who lives in the same village.

Rodrick admits that walking is hard and sometimes gives him pain. So does football. But the fun and pleasure of football is worth the pain. At least for a while. Sometimes he has to stop when the pain gets too bad.

Rodrick is 10 years old. He has three brothers and one sister. His father is a tin smith.

Rodrick likes going to school, or more accurately, he likes school once he gets there.

The 2 km walk is not fun. It makes his feet and legs sore and it takes him a full hour each way. Kids in Canada don’t have any idea the lengths kids in poorer countries will go to get an education.

Rodrick’s favourite subject is Chichewa, one of two official languages of Malawi (the other being English).

"Someday, I’d like to be a teacher. Right now, though, I just hope the doctors straighten my feet. So I can walk without problems."

MACHOA (the Malawi Council for the Handicapped), CBMI’s partner in Malawi, will make sure Rodrick receives the care he needs.

Hopefully, after he receives surgery and care, Rodrick will be able to play without pain. He won’t suffer with every step he takes to school. Who knows—maybe he’ll find his dream job and become a teacher!