It's a Hard Knock Life

Actually, life for the 62 orphans at Dala Kiye is better than most children living in Karungu.  Dala Kiye which means home for orphans in Luo was started by the Camillians in 2005 due to the fact that there was an over whelming need for proper care of HIV positive orphans.   The children of Dala Kiye have 3 meals a day, a roof over their heads, beds to sleep in, clean water that comes from the tap, foster mamas to watch over them and give them their medicine, and they go to school.  All these things seem pretty basic but for many living in the Karungu area there are shortages of food, roofs that leak, water that comes from the lake, and school fees that go unpaid.  It is difficult to come to the realization that these children have a really nice life at Dala Kiye but what brought them there is HIV.

Playing with the children is one of my favorite things to do when I am not working in the hospital.  We color, and also play Frisbee and football (soccer).  There are always lots of smiles, hugs, and laughter when you go to Dala Kiye!

I wish I could share all the children’s stories with you but I want to tell you about Alphonse because the moment I saw him, I fell in love…. just look at that face. Alphonse Ronny was born on August 6th 2006 to Beatrice Akinyi Otieno, a single mother, in Migosi village of Nyatike district. He is the last born in a family of five.  Alphonse’s mother, a peasant farmer, died on July 16th, 2008 of HIV/AIDS related complications.  Alphonse’s and two of his siblings were left in the care of their 75 year old maternal grandmother, Siprina Anditi. Alphonse’s condition worsened after the death of his mother prompting the grandmother to seek medical intervention at St. Camillus Mission Hospital. Alphonse was diagnosed with HIV and initiated on ARVs (Antiretroviral drugs) on November 18th 2008. His grandmother, also a peasant farmer had no stable source of income and had difficulty providing food, shelter and clothing, as well as, administering Alphonse’s drugs appropriately.  Alphonse came to Dala Kiye, St. Camillus Children’s Welfare Home on August 31st 2009.  He is currently is enrolled at B.L Tezza Primary School and, is a happy and playful 3 year old.

I also want to share Mercy’s story with she has the best disposition of anyone I have ever met, she is always happy.  Mercy Adhiambo Obiero was born on  April 14th 2002 in Okayo village in Migori District and is the last born in a family of seven children. Her father was a casual laborer who died in 2006 while her mother was a peasant farmer who died in 2007.  Mercy was five years old when she lost her parents and was left in the care of her paternal uncle who also cared for Mercy’s six other siblings and two of his own children.  Mercy started developing frequent health complications which prompted her uncle to take her to St. Camillus Mission Hospital.  Mercy was diagnosed with HIV and was soon enrolled on ARVs on May 28th 2008.  Mercy’s uncle and aunt were very willing to care for her but found it difficult to provide for such a large family. At times Mercy’s uncle was forced to delegate the responsibility of administering Mercy’s drugs to her other siblings who would sometimes forget.  Mercy came to Dala Kiye, St. Camillus Children’s Welfare Home on October 11th 2008. Currently, Mercy is enrolled at B.L Tezza Primary School and has the most beautiful smile (sorry Mom, she wins).

Wishing you a very Happy Easter! Let us rejoice and be glad.