Care and Support 50 HIV+ Orphan Children in India

"I really don't know what to do, I feel cry like crying, I don't know, how I am going to study and also look after my parents” - expressed Keerthana during the visit at the hospital on the second day after her parents met with an accident.

Keerthana is the eldest child, 14 years old and living with HIV. Her younger sister (aged 9 years) and her parents are also living with HIV. Her father, a lorry driver does not support the family with his income as he spends most of the earnings on drinking. Keerthana 's mother was the sole earner, who worked as a coolie worker and supported the family. As the income her mother brings does not cater to the health and educational needs of Keerthana and her sister, the family was closely followed up by Buds of Christ to provide the psycho-social and the economic support for the family.

Few weeks before Keerthana's parents met with a very severe accident that caused multiple fractures resulting in bed ridden state for both her mother and father. In addition Keerthana is currently studying in 10th standard and is awaiting for her public examination, an important year that decides her future studies.

Buds of Christ provided additional support during the last few weeks through home visits to support Keerthana in handling the stress of caring her parents, younger sister and also her own health. Close health monitoring and nutritional support was provided to the entire family. Keerthana was encouraged to continue schooling and also care of herself too. Her mother is much better now and able to support Keerthana in household works.

She has now successfully completed her quarterly exams and is also more confident in handling the care of her mother, father and her younger sister. In spite of all the struggled conditions, she is confident in saying;

“I would definitely pass with good grades in the final exams, because I have the confidence to do it and my friends in the support group are encouraging me too”.