LIFE IN KIBERA
Kibera is the 2nd largest slum in Africa and has more than 1 million inhabitants. HIV/AIDS is a major problem amongst both adults and children. Additionally, owing to the poor living conditions with open sewers and infected water, many other illnesses such as cholera, typhoid and malaria are commonplace. Additionally, desperation drives people to prostitution, alcohol/drug abuse,
violence, crime or simply to abandon their family. A typical family of 7 members will live in a 3m x 3m mud hut, with no windows, no running water, no kitchen and no toilet. This becomes particularly problematic during heavy rains and high temperatures. Food, accommodation, medical assistance and education are costly and often cannot be afforded. Many parents leave their children alone for long periods while they go in search for work. Consequently, the children are exposed to the dangers of the Kibera and can easily fall victim. HIV is also commonplace amongst children that are breastfed by infected mothers. CHILDREN IN KIBERA
Healthy, educated children offer hope and a brighter future to the population of Kibera and this can only happen if sufficient support is given to families with severe difficulties:
- Both parents have died or have abandoned their children.
- One parent has died/left the family, the remaining parent is overburdened.
- Due to illness, indifference or lack of finances, the parents do not care for their children.
- The child has a severe illness such as HIV, Cholera, Typhoid, Malaria, Meningitis etc. Parents and guardians, on a daily basis have serious life threatening problems to deal with. Consequently, the development of young minds and nurturing the desire for self improvement is not a priority. Many children are under nourished, under stimulated and have little choice but to follow the same lifestyle as their parents.
