A seven year old girl, who was taken for specialized surgical operation in the United States of America, is said to have suffered abuse and is now living in a deprived state, her foster parents have revealed.
The foster parents, Rodgers and Sandra Wykelund, revealed this to Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Jennipher Musonda, when she visited Emmas Kids Orphanage in Mufulira on a fact finding mission.
The Wykelunds told Ms Musonda that the named girl has been denied her return to Zambia by an American couple who claim to have adopted her after her successful surgeries.
According to the Wykelunds, the girlis being abused by the couple and she is living in a deprived state as they (Wykelunds) have no contact with her as foster parents for two years now.
It is alleged that Beatrice has been turned into a media show piece in American by the couple where over 200 pictures of her before surgery have been reportedly taken and being used to raise money for the same couple.
Ms Wykelund who returned from America last week said efforts to get girl from the couple, which she did not name, has became difficult because the couple claim they have adopted her legally under the American law and the matter is before the courts in that country.
The girl’s stay in America was based on the premise that she undergoes a surgical operation to rectify her facial deformity and thereafter return home.
The foster parents are now seeking the intervention of the Zambian government to have the girl return home.
The Wykelunds are running Emmas Kids Orphanage in Mufulira with over 200 children, mostly former street children.
And Ms Musonda said her office will compile a report on the matter to government through the Ministry of Community Development and social wServices to enable the girl return home.
The PS stressed that the girl is Zambian and it is not possible for a foreign family to take advantage of the situation to adopt her without the consent of government.
Poor girl must be going through a traumatic time overthere without her biological parents or relatives, would`nt it have been better if we had fully equipped hospitals and qualified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons and Doctors right here in Zambia, this girl is one of many children born with facial deformity in zambia instead of ajust a few privileged people been flown out of the country the BOMA must start of doing whats best for the people of this country.
Please people with influnce in the govt and outside help this girl come back to zambia.Maybe the didn’t even do that surgical procedure on her.They are using her deformed face to make money.please mwebantu help this girl.Tears rolled down my face as i read this.
There is more than what the Wykelunds seem to reveal. Why didn’t they reveal this, soon after they arrival from America? Unlike after the PS’ visit to the ophanage centre. Personally,i smell a rat. Infact to start with, how was the girl evacuated to America? Who sponsored the trip? Who escorted her? And in whose custody was she left in? This matter needs to be properly investigated. These same chaps may even be the ones that abandoned the girl out there. Or worst still, the American couple may be they partners.
That’s when the Zambian Embassy in Washington should come in. They represent the Zambian gov’t over there and have all the capacity to act in favor of the poor girl.
The Zambian Embassy in Washington must have some data on the said child. Please, GRZ do something as soon as possible. The girl is needed back home.
Whatever has happened to her or however she might be enjoying her new life there in America, please help with her safe passage back to Zambia. She is very one of us Zedians.
Key info that needs to be put out includes name, vital statistics, the medical problem, institution and state she was entrusted to for the surgery, when this occurred, and if possible the name of the accussed host family. It may seem far fetched, but there are many Zambians all over who follow news on such stories on the net, video and print media who would be helpful in this plight if armed with proper data.
Key info that needs to be put out includes name, vital statistics, the medical problem, institution and state she was entrusted to for the surgery, when this occurred, and if possible the name of the accussed host family. It may seem far fetched, but there are many Zambians all over who follow news on such stories on the net, video and print media who would be helpful in this plight if armed with proper data..
Besides if the foster family’s story is accurate there could be no better way to address this than to publicize as widely as possible in the United States so that those who have been swindled in the name of donations and other potential “donors” can learn for themselves how this poor Zambian girl has been victimized and exploited due to her unfortunate condition. This practice ,by the way, has been used over and over to extort money from ethiopia to Dulfur to west africa to zimbabwe, SA, Malawi etc. Time to stop the nonsense.
#3-You could be right bati !!!
malabishi, how did the child come unaccompanied in the first place? The Zambian embassy and local authorities must be involved.
Pu ssy ass Crakka got ni99a touching zed kids
It is time our government restrict laws on child adoption. I live in a foriegn country and I see many African women and children how they are abandoned and left in the cold by the so-called foster parents. 65% of the African prostitutes in Europe were either lured or brought by the so called foster parents and yet abandoned or abuse them. What a shame!!
#3. Stop aiming wild shots at the Wykelunds. Technically they are the foster parents of this unfortunate kid since they run the orphanage from which the girl left for treatment. The problem is with this other American couple who had custody of the child when she was undergoing treatment. Please cut the Wykelunds some slak!
Ask Dr. Phil, He will have her released in no time.
It is good to hear when such reports of abused children living in the USA/elsewhere are made public. We hope that this will allow for an effective follow up and immeidate action. On the other hand, we have to note that this is only one or few incidences being reported publicly. There are other young Zambians who have been brought here by their own relatives and are being abused. They have not been allowed to go back to school but are kept to play the role of housemaids.
This reported case as others have already alluded to, will need the immediate intervention of the Zambian Embassy in US along with the US government/respective Gov/Senator/whoever in that particular state.
Our zambian embassy in new york is useless? the only thing they are good at is hosting independence parties. when a zambian national dies or is involved in a serious accident they don’t send even a penny to assist? they are as useless as the government they represent?
I feel bad for this poor girl but again i don’t believe that the couple is abusing the girl why did they (foster parents) had to wait for the PS to visit them? the foster parents have a motive as well.
I agree with no 16 .I have also heard horrifying stories of a zambian who was incinarated because there was no money to bring the body back to zambia.Another person was buried in the USA not because he wanted to but because of the prevailing situations. That is when planning for the future comes in and having to prepare for such eventualities.It will be foolish for anyone to expect any help from the zambian embassy.
Where have gon wrong?.
Even the same first folster parents definately were hoping to make money out of her,but unfortunately were just over powered by the other.Please zambians learn this,these white people have no love at all for a black person,let no one lie to you,they still have the slavery adrenalin runnig through there veins,if they cant care for an african American what more for a african zambian.Let them folster there own,and if they cant give birth let them hung
I live in America and if this Beatrice” has been turned into a media show piece in America”, then why havent we seen her on T.V or even in the print media? Children are a sensitive issue and such a story would not be brushed off by reporters. There is something fishy about the whole story.
sorry quotation mark should be ” has been….
ah I dont know whats up with this key, anyway hope you know what I mean.
pat probably you live in the projects,and didnt get this
24 i have no time for shallow minds like yours.
Yes, i know pat personally, is one of those that live on these projects.After all she is my good neighbor.
# 11 you gota no brains!!
STORY IS FAKE. I WATCH NEWS AL THE TIME WE COULD HAVE SEEN THIS.
NANCY GRACE WILL NOT TURN OFF HER GLOBE EYES.
poor girl. May the Almighty God help her.to those who can please let us help find solution to this matter. zambians in america help the embassy. the matter may have not reached them as i guess from missing vital data from the report.
two sides to every coin
You really should investigate this story before you pass judgment on the Americans
The information in this article is false. I personally know all involved in this and can attest that the author of this article or those that were interviewed have fabricated the content of particular publication. This child is in a loving home for the purpose of corrective surgery that has been started in stages, but not yet been completed. She attends public school and has adapted well due to the love and support from her foster parents here in America. She is involved in the community with her foster family and enjoys life.
Congratulations Rodger and Saundra Wikelund you have once again fooled the Zambians to make them believe your lies. The Wikelunds are the only ones trying to make money off this child. I would strongly suggest the author investigate why the Wikelunds are no longer in Zambia to get the truth of all that has gone on with them. The new story from Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Jennipher Musonda and from The Director in Lusaka
The “fact finding mission” conducted by Copperbelt PS Jennipher Musonda was a result of numerous reported crimes against children and adult Zambian Nationals at Emma’s Kids Ministry.
The mentioned court case reported by the Wykelunds in this article is an ongoing case due to charges they (the Wykelunds) are facing in America. The charges stem from alleged abuses against children in their care while they were directors at Emma’s Kids Ministry in Mufulira, Zambia. There are no current adoption proceedings in regards to this named child. She is being hosted in a positive, loving environment in America for the purpose of ongoing medical treatment.
transgression——-accountability——
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account there of in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned Mathew 12:35-37 God loves all parties concerned and so do I. I miss the days of love and hugs we all shared. My heart cries
The Wykelunds identify themselves as “foster” in this article, yet two years ago they printed and mailed newsletters all over America stating they had legally adopted this child. They further stated they changed her name from her Zambian name to their surname and added the name “Emma-Lee”. The truth is that they have faced major legal problems in Zambia and are currently facing legal problems in America. As a result, this child is in the custody of the state govt and is being provided for, educated, nurtured and supported by a loving host family. Noted abuse and deprivation allegedly occurred prior to this child being brought to America. Yes, my heart cries, too! It’s like a death!
Is the interviewer or those being interviewed familiar with Ephesians 4:25, which reads: “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.”?
Tragically, this story is a sad indictment on the Body of Christ. How can we reach others if we cannot walk our talk? What example of Christianity is being given here?
#37 I can feel you. Don’t stop praying. If God raised a man from the dead even after he had started stinking, surely he can resurrect the love we all had for one another inspite of all the stink. I want the pain in my heart to stop!!!!!!!!!!!
The real pain here is felt by the innocent and vulnerable being used, abused, manipulated and slandered. Love needs no resurrection, love never dies! See I Cor. 13. Who would have thought missionaries would have been involved in such a confusing mess? This situation has been allowed to go unchecked for much too long. How can this happen? To whom are the named missionaries accountable? As Christians, we should pray for everyone involved, especially the child. The adults involved should repent and ask God to heal, forgive and restore. He is faithful! We pray this ministry can be salvaged and operated in a accountable manner that glorifies God!
#40 you are right; true love never dies but in Mathew 24:12 KJV it says
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold”
I also agree PRAYER-REPENTANCE-HEALING-FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION.
I firmly believe when this ministry comes off the “Potters Wheel” God will get the Glory
God has allowed this for a reason. He will get the Glory
The reason God has “allowed” this is because that’s what God does, He “allows” all men to do as they choose! However, since God is holy and righteous He is no partner in confusion, deception, manipulation and abuse of the innocent. To say He allowed this particular situation is like saying He willed it to be so in order to get “glory”, NOT a correct statement. He will be glorified by our being conformed to the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. Even if this effort fails, He will be honored up by others willing to serve him and serve others. God is pleased with us and is glorified by us when we face up to, repent, and learn from our mistakes.
. I firmly believe that all things work together for our good. One particular incident that stands alone may not appear to be working for our good but it along with other events will ultimately lead to our good if we are called according to His purpose. I believe what you said #40. Repentance leads to God healng and then restoring. The example we see in this particular incident will cause other ministries to stop and think how far someone can fall and perhaps give them strength not to fall in the same trap. I agree with #42 God will get the Glory when this ministry comes off the “Potters Wheel” and once again start start giving God the Glory.
As a Zedian living in the U.S. who can I get in touch with to find out about the status of this child? Is there any organizatin or group of people who are working to get her back home? Is she already back home?
As a Zedian living in the U.S. who can I get in touch with to find out about the status of this child? Is there any organizatin or group of people who are working to get her back home? Is she already back home?
#46. Going back home to where? She is a double orphan. Back home to suffering extended family to starve with them in the village where she came from? This child is in an excellent location with people that love and care for her as she has never had in her short life. From my trusted contacts I am told that she is happy and healthy, and I have every reason to believe that. You should only be concerned if she is ever returned to her “adoptive parents” as noted in #37’s comments. Pray for her and be thankful she is in the environment she is in. God bless her and her caregivers!
#46 and #47 Yes the child has family members in Zambia but for now this precious little girl is where she needs to be.
Has the child’s facial surgeries been completed?
Has the child’s facial surgeries been completed?
#49, #50 No, the facial surgeries have not yet been completed. However, wonderful progress has been made. All parties involved knew going in that this would be a long multi-phase process.
thank you #51 for the update. Our prayer team will continue to pray for this precious little girl, her care givers and the many people who love her and want what is best for her.
Our prayer team will join yours #52 as we all give God the Glory
#53 there is never too much prayer over any issue.
# 47 I recently returned from Zambia and the weiklunds were no longer there. Have they gone to get the child? Things have changed.
#47 They have been removed from the country due to certain on-going illegal activities. They are also facing charges in the juvenile court system in the state of Georgia in the US. Read the comments above, #33 – #38 for an explanation. Unfortunately, the comments posted there are true. Then read #48, which is also true and is a much brighter picture of this yung girl. If this subject is settled in a positive manner the child will benefit, however, if not, she is the one that will suffer. The problem did not start with this child being brought to America for treatment, the root problem of this situation was well under way before this girl was even born.
#56 It makes me wonder just how deep does this root grow. How many people have been effected, positively or negatively
that root has reached Australia, USA, and UK this I know and only God knows the whole story. Initially it appeared to be all positive but then something happened.
only one of three on the cross have sence enough to bring peace to the one on the other side of Jesus. He is allways in the middle of situations. the others on the ground just did like all of us “crucify him”. If we talk less we can hear better the other crying for peace.
#59 what are you saying
Say you
I believe there are two sides to every story and people ought to be careful what they say especially when they do not have facts.
#62 Every now and again I check this site to see if there are new developments. I agree with you whole heartedly, There are two sides to every coin. I pray peace for this New Year. May the love of Almighty God abound in the hearts of all involved on the inside and all of us connected at the fringes. Peace to you “Real ZAMBIAN”
Someone should now interview the Wikelunds for an update to their fable….maybe they will now confess the truth to the readers of this article.
This story is very serious and we can make comments, Someone’s kid is missing in the hands of a White family. Don’t you people know that Orphanages is the most recent and profitable businesses white people are running now? This poor kid is a victim of HUMAN TRAFFICKING. If any of you can recall when Haiti was hit by the Quake, Americans rushed there to traffic the kids. So the Zambian govt should go after the Orphanage owners, they know where they sold this kid.
Where is she now