These Are Our Children

Joanne Hershfield's examination of the devastating effects of poverty, violence, and HIV/AIDS on Kenyan children begins in darkness and ends in light thanks to some grassroots efforts. According to Paul Maina of the Thunguma Children and Youth Empowerment Center, “the extended family system is fading away,” and communities lack infrastructure to compensate for the loss. Some 1.5 million children have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS, while others have lost their homes and suffered trauma from domestic and clan violence, resulting in 300,000 kids on the street. Hershfield interviews several, including James Njuguna, who relates how his father turned to drugs and burned their house down. Some talk about sniffing glue, eating out of garbage cans, and caring for younger siblings. Leah Asami Ambwaya of Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund feels that Kenya's adults, regardless of circumstances, are to blame for neglecting their children. Fortunately, organizations like Kilifi's Moving the Goalposts and Nairobi's Joy Divine Center are providing help through confidence-building activities for girls and food-preparation instruction for boys, while also teaching etiquette, literacy, sex education, farming skills, and woodworking (among other trades). A third educational institution profiled, Kambui School for the Deaf, teaches sign language to young people, some of whom believed they were cursed. With their newfound abilities, these kids not only learn to communicate, but also to believe in themselves and in a better future for their country. An inspiring profile, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)