Alungile’s Journey: From Medical Challenges to Artistic Aspirations

In 2007, at the tender age of three, Alungile was placed in the care of Home from Home. His journey began when Red Cross Children’s Hospital referred him to St Joseph’s Home for Chronic Invalid Children after his biological mother passed away. Although there were initial plans for him to live with his biological father, these plans fell through as his father was unable to meet his medical needs.

Alungile was born with a congenital condition that caused the underdevelopment of tissues on one side of his face, affecting his ear, mouth, and jaw. Over the past year, he has undergone significant treatment and corrective surgeries, a welcome change after years of seeking help from government hospitals. In 2022, with generous support from Home from Home Germany, he was able to receive private consultations. At the end of 2022, he underwent three operations to prepare for a prosthetic ear and correct his jawline. In August 2023, he had surgery to replace a jaw chip from 2015 that was incompatible with new technology. Now, with just two more surgeries left, Alungile is close to completing his long-awaited medical journey. These final surgeries will align his jaw with the screws for the prosthetic ear and then place the ear.

Now 19, Alungile is a passionate artist, actively participating in the Orange Art Project for foster children, guided by a dedicated art mentor. He attends the Ruth Prowse School of Art two to three times a week and thoroughly enjoys the programme. The school aims to balance tradition and innovation, striving for excellence in visual communication through a blend of theory and practice. It provides a world-class environment that fosters original thought, creativity, aesthetics, cross-cultural artistic and educational exchange, along with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

As 2024 approaches, Alungile is contemplating his next steps. He is considering whether to transition out of foster care to live with biological family members in the Eastern Cape, or apply to live in the Transition Support Programme house. His social worker and social auxiliary worker will be there to support him as he navigates this new chapter in his life.