|
"I want a Uganda Rainbow House"
In August 2001, the first AIDS orphans conference took place in Tokyo. 14-year-old Ronald has been the target of discrimination, prejudice, and serious poverty. When he tried to communicate how hard his life has been to the audience, he lost his words and started to weep.
Emotional support is needed
Dr. Alex Amati, Child Psychologist at Uganda Makerere University says, "Developed countries have so far provided us with material support such as housing, food, and clothing. However, materials will be gone before long. What the AIDS orphans really need is emotional support."
The Republic of Uganda has a population of 22 million. Among them, it is estimated there are approximately 1.7 million AIDS orphans. According to United Nations research, it is the country that has the largest number of AIDS orphans in the world. When they lose their parents, many of them quit school and are forced to work. In their severe poverty, they are expressionless and show a lack of interest in anything. They suffer to the point where they do not know where their hearts are.
Not even knowing the words like "Dream" or "Hope"
Having lost their parents to AIDS, orphans have to live with the fear that they themselves might be carriers. They face discrimination at school and in the community. The poverty they live in prevents them from taking HIV tests. Many become street children in need of food after losing their places at school, abandoned and abused by their relatives. Their lives become a daily fight for survival without the respect and attention they deserve, and without the possibility of hopes and dreams.
|
