Brothers Aubrey Innocent (8) and Yamikani Innocent (11) from Khwamba Village, Malawi, who were orphaned by HIV/AIDs, pictured here with their Uncle. Even though their Uncle is struggling with a family of his own, he provides as much support as he can to his young nephews.

Forward on five years and Yamikani is now the head of household since his sister married and moved away to another village. Assuming the role of head of the family and provider even though he is still at school, Yamikani depends on offerings from the community and his uncle's generosity as well as small jobs assisting farmers when available.

In the district of Ntchisi where Yamikani lives, there are over 7299 orphans and vulnerable children in similar circumstances. Most orphans remain within the vicinity of their communities, either by living with their grandparents, other relations, or on their own. Such community support is often found to be itself overstretched and vulnerable. The brother's uncle explained 'I have very little to support my own family and give what I can when I can to the boys.'

With very little in the way of support, many children drop out of school and become more vulnerable to all forms of abuse, some turning to prostitution to bring enough money to feed and clothe their younger siblings. For the brothers, home is a neighbour's kitchen floor which also houses a chicken and her latest batch of chicks.

From Left to right are brothers Aubrey Innocent (8) and Yamikani Innocent (11) from Khwamba Village, Malawi. Along with their sister, these siblings were orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

Life's difficulties have not deterred Yamikani and Aubrey from attending school and achieving their dreams, Yamikani explains. 'We get some work killing mice in the local farmer's field and use the money to pay for uniforms and books for school,' without which, they would not be allowed to attend school.

'One day, I would like to be a soldier and protect my country' says Yamikani, who likes maths and playing football. Younger brother Aubrey favours English as his preferred subject and wants to become a Member of Parliament when he grows up, 'I want to take care of my community and country so that no one has to go hungry', he says.

The Malawi Red Cross has registered 1,268 orphans and vulnerable children in the district to date who have received a variety of educational, social, psychological and material support, including food relief. Under current funding from the Irish Red Cross, both Yamikani and his brother Aubrey will receive food, shelter, farm inputs and educational supports enabling them to continue in their pursuit of a better life.

Written by: Emma Mac Bride, Desk Officer - Africa
Subject: Visit to Malawi, November 2008.