Reuters AlertNet Lite - KENYA: Janet Kithika: "At least my grandchildren won't become maids or marry too early"

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KENYA: Janet Kithika: "At least my grandchildren won't become maids or marry too early"

23 May 2008 09:08:28 GMT
Source: IRIN

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• Children

KITUI, 23 May 2008 (IRIN) - Janet Kithika, 59, is the youngest of 29 grandmothers or 'shoshos' in Nyumbani village in eastern Kenya, which is home to children orphaned by AIDS and the grandparents who care for them. A former teacher and court typist, Kithaka separated from her husband in 1995 and raised her two daughters alone. She told IRIN/PlusNews how she struggled after they both died from AIDS-related illnesses.

"In 2001 my first-born girl fell ill; they said it was cancer. She went for an operation and improved, but always remained weak. Then in 2003 my second daughter also fell ill - she had meningitis for two weeks and died, leaving behind three children - one boy and two girls.

"Shortly after her death, in 2004, my older daughter fell seriously ill again, and died. Thankfully, her husband is a good man with a good job who loves his children so much, so he took them and looks after them well.

"So I was left with my three grandchildren to house and feed. I was so worried because I had no money and they were not going to school.

"Then in 2007, the boy got malaria and though we took him to the hospital several times, he died. He died in my arms as I gave him a bath; it was terrible. He was such a bright and polite boy.

"Later that year I got a visit from a social worker who had identified us as a family in need. She said she could take my grandchildren to this new village, but it would be better if I came too.

"I thought hard about it, because I knew my land and few goats would be neglected if I left, and my other grandchildren would not be able to see me as often. "But in the end I thought, 'These girls have no one but me; at least my other grandchildren have parents.'

So I decided to move to Nyumbani. Here the girls have a good education completely free, they eat well and we live in a big, comfortable house.

"A short while after we moved here, they [people in charge] asked me if I minded becoming a shosho to a few more children. The house was big enough and I had time on my hands, so I said, 'yes'. First I got three from one family, then two months later I got five from another family and finally one from another.

"It is hard to bring up children who are not from a single family. Some of the kids were well cared for, but others were neglected in their homes. Some of them feel I favour others; it's not easy ... if I send one to fetch water she might say I'm doing it because she's not my real grandchild.

"Recently one of the boys under my care ran away; his brothers and sisters have told me even back home he used to run away a lot but I'm still worried about him.

"I think about my home, I miss it, but when I think about going back I always think about Mweke, the youngest of my kids here - he is so loving, and I've promised him I won't leave him, so I stay.

"The kids now have an education and a good life - at least they won't become maids or get married so early and end up with many children that they can't support. Here, the kids are loved by the shoshos and by the staff."

kr/ks/he

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