Who Will Speak for Him? (Part 3)

Before reading this blog get caught up on the rest of Kiwi’s story by reading Part 1 & Part 2

 

    The following week Jess, Pastor Gift, and I were going to officially begin investigations into the abuse of two children: Kiwi and a little girl named Elisa.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Photo on Right): Kiwi and me 

 *Both photos were taken the day we traveled to the police station

 

 

 

     We picked up Elisa at school and then drove towards Ngunya to get Kiwi. He quickly ran home and changed into his best pants, t-shirt, and his new shoes. He climbed into the van looking more timid and shy than ever. I sat beside him gently rubbing his back, but he would barely even look at me. Right now I really wish I spoke more SiSwati. I wonder if he has any idea why he is coming with us.
    The five of us arrive at the police station to file a report and begin an official investigation. I spoke with one of the police officers to tell her what we have seen and heard from these two children and to show her the scars that cover Kiwi’s extremities. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to make official statements to the police because I will not be here to defend those statements in court. So, Jess and I sit with the two children while Pastor Gift meets with the police to make statements. Elisa and Kiwi are beginning to laugh and play with us, but I still wonder if they have any idea what is happening here.
    As a teacher in Atlanta Public Schools, I have had more experience working with social workers and the Department of Families & Children than most people. I was curious to see how this process worked in the midst of Swaziland. Some parts were remarkably similar. Pastor Gift made statements to the police, a government doctor examined the children, and a social worker will be starting a home investigation for each of these children.

    Pastor Gift also told us that the person who hires a lawyer to fight for these children, has to pay 450 emalageni (about $45) every time they go to court. Usually they are able to pay the first couple of times, but these court cases drag on and on possibly requiring twelve or more court appearances before being resolved. This may not sound like a enormous amount of my money to my blog readers, but to the people of Swaziland this is an insurmountable sum. Pastor Gift told us that most cases are dropped when those fighting for the children can no longer afford the court fees. In a system with so much against them, children in Swaziland are rarely protected from abuse.  
    Despite these obvious setbacks, we continue to press forward. I may not be able to change all of Swaziland, but it is possible to change the life of one child.
    On Friday both Elisa and Kiwi were taken to the police station and then to be examined by the doctor. On Saturday, the social worker came to the care point to talk to the children and begin her investigation. Kiatera left the remainder of our tithe money, 700 emalageni, with Pastor Gift to cover part of the court fees for these children. Through my experiences here in Swaziland, my family’s hearts have been touched and my dad has offered to pay Kiwi’s court fees so that the case will not be dropped.