Janesto: A Student Story
Janesto joined Smiling Child in 2025 at the age of 14.
When he was just three years old, he suffered the tragic loss of his right leg below the knee. Because of this disability and the long distance between his home and the nearest school, attending school was simply not possible. As a result, Janesto grew up without access to an education.
When he enrolled in our School Readiness Programme, his educational journey finally began. He learned the alphabet, discovered the joy of counting, and was introduced to a whole new world of learning. Despite being 14 years old, Janesto started with Grade R-level work and embraced every challenge with determination and enthusiasm. He never allowed his age to make him feel that he was behind or unable to succeed.
Before receiving his prosthesis, he amazed everyone with how quickly he could hop on one leg. Through the incredible generosity of friends and supporters of Smiling Child, Janesto received a prosthetic leg in the middle of 2025. Remarkably, it was designed and fitted in just one day. Learning to walk with his new leg was not easy. He had to train the right side of his body, using the muscles in his hip, back, and neck in completely new ways. Building strength and balance took time, perseverance, and courage, and there were many moments of discomfort along the way.
Throughout the process, Janesto’s determination never wavered. His excitement at being able to walk like other children was evident in every step he took. His joy was shared by everyone around him.
Friends of Smiling Child also provided him with new shoes and clothing to match his new chapter in life. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. Janesto’s family and neighbours were deeply grateful to witness what they described as a miracle. Today, he continues to grow in confidence, independence, and hope, proving that with opportunity, support, and resilience, lives can truly be transformed.
2026 – Another Step in Janesto’s Journey
As many of you know, Janesto’s journey has never been an easy one. This year has brought another unexpected challenge.
Janesto’s leg was amputated below the knee several years ago, but because he is still growing, a small section of bone has started to protrude at the end of his residual limb. This has caused the area to become sore, red, and prone to repeated infections.
A Smiling Child volunteer recently accompanied him to our local government hospital to see a surgeon. Since then, the surgeon has consulted with three other specialists to carefully consider the best course of action. We are incredibly grateful that his case is being given such thoughtful attention.
For now, Janesto is unable to wear his prosthesis because the pressure on the protruding bone is simply too painful. Without it, everyday activities become much more difficult, limiting both his mobility and his independence.
One of the options being considered is a further amputation. While the specialists believe there are medical reasons why this may be the best long-term solution, I, Sharon, struggle with the thought of Janesto having to endure another major operation at such a young age. It would be another significant physical and emotional hurdle for him to overcome.
The immediate plan is to see whether his prosthesis can be adjusted to relieve the pressure on the affected area, allowing him to walk more comfortably again. Unfortunately, this is only a temporary measure while the medical team continues to evaluate the best long-term solution.
As always, we ask for your prayers, encouragement, and support as Janesto faces yet another obstacle with remarkable courage. We trust that, in time, the right decision will become clear and that he will once again be able to walk comfortably, continue growing, and enjoy the childhood every child deserves.
Thank you for walking this journey with Janesto and with all of us at Smiling Child. Your kindness, generosity, and faithful support make a real and lasting difference in his life.
