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AIDS Orphan By Mary Richard In East Africa, many cities suffer from the growing problem of street children. Nairobi is no exception. Some run away from poor homes, others are sent to the street by their parents to beg, while still others have no alternative, being orphaned due to AIDS or some other misfortune that has befallen their parents. W. was one of the latter. He had lost his parents, had no home, and no prospects for a brighter future while living on the streets until the age of 14. In Nairobi, some of these street children (a small portion out of the tens of thousands) are gathered into rehabilitation centers. Many run away, not being willing to submit to discipline and the seemingly hard work of having to study. W. was one who was very happy and thankful to be given a place in the Dagoretti Corner Childcare Program, where we work, even though initially he was not used to the authority and regimentation, necessary for any rehabilitation center. By and by, however, W. came to see that there were people at the center who cared about him. He came to trust them and gain the long-term vision that was needed to give him the motivation of “knuckling down” to study, in order to become a useful member of society. He started his primary education at the center and later on, had a desire to go on to higher studies. Life at the center wasn't without its difficulties, though, as the center was struggling itself with all of the children to be fed and schooled, not to speak of the cost of school fees for higher education. But W. would not be defeated. After a long wait, he was finally sponsored to attend a local university. He has recently graduated and is now a successful member of society. W's goal in life is to now reach out to others. In the accompanying photo, you'll see W. at our latest medical camp where he volunteers. W. helped in the organization of our medical camp in Kaani, where 800 people were treated free of charge.
W's story is just one of the many who benefit from our sponsorship of the Dagoretti Corner Childcare Program and other children's homes here in Nairobi. Once they have been fully rehabilitated, Action in Focus gives them the opportunity to reach out to others via our free healthcare programs, which are held around the country on a regular basis. There are many more who need to know that there truly is hope, and that they have the power to change their individual destiny, and possibly many others' as well. Mary Richard was a Project Manager of Action
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