This is Keesha. She's the little one I mentioned yesterday who lives with her father, brothers, and uncles. The teacher is suspects she's in a vulnerable position...
This is Portia. She is 9 years old and has just started school this year. After her father died of HIV/AIDS, her mother moved up and down the coast with her so she never had a permanent home or was able to attend school. Recently, her mother gave birth to a brother who passed away within a few months, before mum also died of HIV/AIDS. She now lived with her grandparents and is attending school for the first time.
She is shy and cautions, but has gradually offered smiles and hugs. Today she gave me a drawing that said, "I love you Brandy. From Portia." (The kids call me "Teacher Brandy.") She is always helpful to her teacher, who has come to rely on her a fair amount in the classroom.
She is shy and cautions, but has gradually offered smiles and hugs. Today she gave me a drawing that said, "I love you Brandy. From Portia." (The kids call me "Teacher Brandy.") She is always helpful to her teacher, who has come to rely on her a fair amount in the classroom.
Emihle took an immediate liking to me, holding my hand and snuggling up from day one. She is warm and kind to her classmates, though academically she is struggling. Emihle has 5 sisters and one brother, she lives with her mom and dad in Capricorn Township. Today she told me about how at home, when it gets dark, her family locks themselves inside to avoid the men in cars with guns who shoot at night. Gangs are a terrible problem in the townships and many children a fearful of them.
This little guy astounded me and stole my heart when he walked to the front of the room and started to sing. (I have a video I'll try to post.) From this little boy came an amazing voice, strong and beautiful.
Xavier is HIV positive. When his mom found out, she gave him away. He now lives with the parents of another student and his future is very uncertain.
These children love to talk about their lives, to have someone be interested and wanting to listen. Learning about these little ones, seeing them smile and laugh in spite of situations I find shocking and disturbing, makes me feel so humble. You hear of stories like these every day. But to hold the child who is scared to sleep at home, or cuddle a little boy who wasn't wanted by his mother because he has HIV makes everything so very real. I can guarantee my heart will never forget these children.
Xavier is HIV positive. When his mom found out, she gave him away. He now lives with the parents of another student and his future is very uncertain.
These children love to talk about their lives, to have someone be interested and wanting to listen. Learning about these little ones, seeing them smile and laugh in spite of situations I find shocking and disturbing, makes me feel so humble. You hear of stories like these every day. But to hold the child who is scared to sleep at home, or cuddle a little boy who wasn't wanted by his mother because he has HIV makes everything so very real. I can guarantee my heart will never forget these children.