The Sunday Mail
Sekai (left) cares for her mother
My name is Sekai (not real name) from Mabvuku, a high-density area in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe.
I am 10-years-old and live with my mother and my older brother who is now 16-years-old. I would like to share with you my life and how Island Hospice has helped me. My mother and I are both ill with HIV-related illnesses. As a result of us being ill, we were forced to move away from our relatives whom we were staying with, but were not treating us well.
We are now staying in a wooden cabin for which we are struggling to pay the rentals. Meanwhile, my mother’s health does not show much improvement and so she is not able to work and raise money for my school fees, food and the rentals.
I have to take care of my mother, cook, wash dishes, sweep and accompany her to the clinic among other things. Although I have an older brother, he does not care, in fact, he is away from home most of the time. My mother is often irritated and shouts at me for no apparent reason.
Meanwhile, she complains that I am rebellious and sometimes moody. I feel very sad because of our situation and am also confused because I cannot live like other children, I often have to be caring for my mother.
At one time I ran away from home because the owner of the cabin was demanding the rentals from us yet we did not have the money. In fact, the general treatment that we get from the community is discriminatory and a constant reminder that we are sick and poor.
I have a lot of questions concerning my life, why I cannot enjoy life like other children and what my future holds.
We have been receiving treatment and support from Island Hospice for a very long time. My mother says she started in 2005 after being referred from the council clinic. I became an Island Hospice patient at the age of six and have continued till now.
The nurses and social workers assist me in various ways. They have shown concern by attending us at clinics and by visiting us at home to either counsel us or provide medication. In April, when I attended the Island young carers workshop, I enjoyed being with other children there. Before the workshop it felt like I was the only young person experiencing the burden of caring for a sick person, but sharing my experiences and listening to others helped me.
The social worker and the nurse who were facilitating also taught us how to take good care of ourselves and to have time to play and enjoy ourselves. I feel better now and do not feel like running away from home anymore.
My mother says she is now better because of the support that we get from Island; especially now that I am attending school after the Island social worker referred me to the Department of Social Services where I was registered as a child in need of education support.
When a donor approached the Department of Social Services with education assistance, I was among those who were selected.
I like going to school, but keep thinking about the other problems. We have been referred to Childline which has established a centre close to where I live so I can get help.
