Under African sky

KENYA | Monday, 7 January 2013 | Views [579] | View Smaller Image

In Kenya's rural Nyanza region >40% of the population are children <15 years old.Many of thm,mostly girls,act as caregivers to younger siblings.These young caregivers,carrying adult responsibilities,miss the opportunity of a carefree childhood. The photo children are orphans-Hope,aged 8 and her baby sister Faith.Hope took on motherhood tasks after their parents' loss.Faith accompanies her,clinging to her back, in every activity she performs i.e. household chores or fun time.

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10-year old Denis,the elder brother of Hope and Faith,acts as the household head.This role is often left to boys in families where both parents've died or where children've been left by a parent who's only job chance takes him/her to a remote town.Denis also shares the role of a caregiver to their small sister.Having full-time family responsibilities combined with lack of financial means often prevents these children from getting education and impacts their health and future life prospects.

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Under African sky

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