Very often, the real victims of the HIV/AIDS pandemic are forgotten, immediately after their parents are buried. But often what is left, are innocent children left to fend for themselves or are added into households, which have no room for more.
It’s made even worse by the fact that, many of these children had to care for their sick parent/s on their own, watching them die and the torn emotions that come with that death. The sorrow of losing a parent is never an easy thing to endure, more so for children; this coupled with fear about the future and guilt that comes with the relief the death brings for those who’ve had to care for their parents for extended periods, is enough to haunt any child.
So the opportunity to bring joy to these dear ones, was and still is very treasured. Watching them receive their parcels with such eagerness and seeing their joy at being thought of, is a memory engraved on our hearts forever…
