HOMES FOR HOPE: Hidden by Shame, The Untold Story

In the last decade there has been a strong awareness in Sub-Saharan Africa of the massive number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.  As a result many agencies, individuals and non-profit organizations have responded admirably to these orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC).

Recently, Fr. Francis Limo Riwa, the founder of the Children’s Village (St. Francis School for Boys and St. Clare Centre for Girls) in Kenya has discovered there is another strata of children below the surface of the OVC.  These are the children who have lost their parents and are themselves infected with the killer viruses.

These infected children are viewed as the “walking dead” and greatly feared less they spread the deadly virus to anyone who attempts to assist them. Perceived as “cursed” they are avoided. They are hidden from view and they have no voice for most die before they reach the ages of 6 or 7. These children are the most abandoned and the most vulnerable.

Fr. Riwa has realized this situation and has taken action. To provide the special care and attention these children need, he has established a separate residence where they receive the care, education, necessary medications. Here they also receive a simple but nutritious diet to boost their immune systems. Named “Homes of Hope,” these homes demonstrate the possibility of saving these children, giving them a joyful life with a bright future.

The first Home of Hope opened in a rented space close to St. Francis.  Fr. Riwa asked Madam Joselyn to be the “mother” to these children. During the day they go to elementary school, return home for supper, meds and homework.