Lucky 13 for the Booi who is a burst of energy
Despite being differently-abled, Banoyolo Booi has thrown himself into school activities with unbridled enthusiasm.
In a world filled with doom and gloom, the positive, can-do attitude displayed by young Banoyolo Booi is a refreshing change.
In 2014, South Coast Academy received an application from Banoyolo. On the application form it was indicated that he had a Primary Barrier to learning: 13.
The number was to indicate that the learner was physically disabled.
The school contacted Banoyolo’s mom and explained that the school’s infrastructure did not allow for disabled learners, as there were stairs to be negotiated.
However, an interview was arranged with Banoyolo and his parents.
The panel fully expected a little boy who battled to walk to come slowly through the door.
Instead, an explosion of energy on two crutches – which by the way have been fixed and replaced many times during his school career – came swinging along cheerfully through the gates of the school.
Despite being differently-abled, Banoyolo has thrown himself into school activities with unbridled enthusiasm.
He has taken part in athletics, swimming, Gymbokids and has even danced in the school concert.
Bonoyolo is now in Grade 7 and has been chosen as a prefect. Despite his challenges, staff say the plucky youngster never complains, and never misses a day of school without a very good reason.
Yes, he is disabled but he has proved to his peers over and over again that that is merely a word.
Banoyolo was a perfectly normal child until, at the age of 20 months, he was accidently dropped by a five-year-old playmate.
The next morning he couldn’t move. A trip to the hospital revealed that while his spinal cord was intact, the nerves in his lower limbs had been damaged.
He reverted to crawling, only beginning to walk at the age of three, holding on to walls for support.
Physiotherapists noticed he was walking on his toes and he underwent surgery on his feet at Westville Hospital.
The prognosis looks hopeful. He still undergoes regular physiotherapy and his doctors say with time and patience, he may regain much of his balance and ability to walk unaided.
Banoyolo is very active and likes to play soccer (goal keeper is his preferred position), is a good swimmer and loves playing the piano.
He is also an active member of his church.
He aims to become a doctor one day, and no one who knows this determined youngster has any doubt that he will succeed at anything he puts his mind to.
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