Feed 1,800 orphaned children in rural Kenya.

Esther is an HIV+ orphan and the oldest of 4 siblings, all of whom are also HIV+. Their mother passed away when Esther was just 7 years old. Their father then married another woman and moved away leaving the children under the care of their grandmother and grandfather. The needs in their household are immense, especially considering all their HIV status - which means they have to eat well. It has been a struggle for the grandparents to put food on the table as they get little income from what the grandfather earns in his job as a watchman.

In spite of her hardship, Esther is a focused and determined child. She looks to the Makindu Children's Center as her second home. In her own words, she says she longs for the days that she goes for clinic with her brother, because they get to go to MCC to enjoy a nutritious hot meal! Once fed, they pick up their vouchers from the Centre for their clinic health check-up and monthly meds. They walk from their home village of Kaunguni, 17 kilometers from the Centre and Makindu HIV Clinic. The clinic at times runs out of multivitamins which are very essential for HIV+ children. If so, the Centre has a supply on hand and Esther and her brother can get multivitamins there.

Esther is the epitome of courage and determination amidst all the challenges she faces at home. As the oldest sibling, she is often tasked with responsibilities from supervising the other children to helping with chores. She sleeps on an old mattress and often goes to bed hungry but rises to challenge of taking care of her family and of herself. She loves to play and sing when she visits the Centre and always volunteers to do duties or run errands.

Links:

• Makindu Children's Program