When we consider people affected by HIV and AIDS we usually immediately think of people who are infected. The children of parents with HIV or AIDS are often ignored. These children may or may not be living with HIV themselves. Their future is threatened.
They may watch parents lose their ability to work and earn money. They may help nurse their parents as they become ill and cope with their death. They may lose the opportunity to attend school and to learn skills and traditional knowledge from their parents. Other children or adults may avoid them, fearing infection. Many have to move away from their home area, sometimes into unhappy situations. Older children may care for younger brothers and sisters, trying to survive and stay together.
These children are the future of our community and are really important. Sometimes help is simple. We can make time to play football or games, to give them a treat and laugh with them. Sometimes it will mean giving them time to talk as they cope with illness, anger, sadness or mourning. In the long-term it may mean sharing our homes, supporting them through school and trying to fill the gap left by the parents they have lost.
Discussion
- What has happened to children in our community whose parents have been infected by HIV and AIDS?
- What usually happens to children who lose their parents? Who is likely to look after them? What responsibility should our community take for finding good carers? Do we ask such children what they would like to do?
- The number of children orphaned by AIDS will continue to increase. How will our community respond?
- Do people usually think that children whose parents have died of AIDS must also be infected? How could we help change such thinking?
- Babies born with HIV may live for many years. Their education and needs are very important. Consider how hard it must be for a child to grow up knowing they will never become an adult. How can we care for them?
- How can children affected by HIV and AIDS help educate and support others in similar situations? How can we learn from them and understand the kind of support they would like?
- Why might it be better for children to grow up in a family situation? Is there a role for orphanages in our culture? Are they a good or a bad thing?
- What help is available for providing extra food, clothes, healthcare and especially school fees for children affected by HIV and AIDS? Are there organisations or government agencies that can help? What could we do as a community?
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