Vulnerable Children

As you may recall, Empower African Children (EAC) is dedicated to orphans and vulnerable children. But what defines a vulnerable child? What does it mean to be vulnerable? Well, on Wednesday afternoon I learned first-hand what it means to be "vulnerable." Sharon is a beautiful girl of about 15 who is one of the children sponsored by EAC. I spent some time talking to Alexis about whether or not I should write about Sharon's life because it is so painful and I don't want to exploit her or to expose her in any way. However, upon reflection, I know that it is a story worth telling - and, sadly, it is not an extraordinary story in this group of children - it's merely a representative story. I know also that if you were to meet this gorgeous young woman, you would never imagine her situation or the burden placed on her shoulders - I know because I could not have imagined it.

So, Sharon's parents were originally from Rwanda (pronounced "Ronda" as I have just learned). They were Tutsis who fled the Rwandan genocide in the 90's when most of their family members were brutally killed. Sharon's mother, who is sickly, has had five children - an eldest son who is very ill with diabetes and perhaps other illnesses, a second child who died, Sharon, a young son of about 10 and a baby girl. Sharon's father died recently of AIDS. Sharon's cousin, a 22 year old woman, also recently died of AIDS leaving a young baby girl who is now also under the care of Sharon's mother. Sharon's mother and the children live in a tiny one-room space behind a bar where many men come during the night to purchase and consume alcohol. There is no water, electricity, bathroom, etc. To say that it is not a safe environment for a young girl is the understatement of a lifetime.

We went with Sharon to visit her family on Wednesday afternoon (recall that she lives at school thanks to EAC) so that I could better understand the situations of the children of EAC. It was a situation so filled with sadness and despair that it was hard to keep from crying. Sharon's mother did cry recalling how she had been able to afford a good school for her children when her husband was alive. She was also upset because her young son (who is so smart!) was sent home from school because he did not have black uniform shoes.

Of course, we left money for the shoes and I am so grateful that Alexis thought to take some much-needed groceries to Sharon's mother as a thank you for having us over. But of course, these are tiny gestures given the issues that overwhelm this family.

As I looked down at precious Sharon sitting on the floor in that tiny, dark room smiling at her mother and playing with her sister, I realized that all the hopes and dreams of her family are wrapped up in her. Sharon is wise beyond her years (as are most of these children) and she is thriving at her school thanks to the opportunity given to her by EAC. She is getting an excellent education and she is the one who must (and will) lift up her family. She is, quite literally, a shining light in the darkness. I pray that her family stays healthy so that they receive the benefit of Sharon's hard work. I understand now about being "vulnerable" and that these children would be in inescapable, impossible situations of poverty and hardship if it were not for EAC. Sadly, I also realize that there are thousands of other precious children out there who don't have EAC or anyone looking out for them - and I think that thought will stay with me long after I have left Uganda...