Poverty and illness can leave a child vulnerable. In the same way death can leave a child without parents, these other issues leave children without the hope and future every child deserves.
As a young boy, Matthew** lost his mother to HIV. His father was ill and unable to work. Without his basic needs, Matthew was malnourished and underdeveloped. Going without food for days was common. Attending school was a luxury. Children in situations like this often feel afraid, angry, ashamed, or helpless. They can experience physical impairments and emotional struggles that lead to adversities that follow them throughout life. No child deserves that story.
Because of supporters like you, vulnerable children like Matthew have another option. Matthew came to The Shelter at age eight and began a new chapter in his story.
The first step for every new student is a health assessment. Matthew was incredibly weak from years of malnutrition and poverty-related illness. His physical health was the priority for staff. His health improved quickly by living in a clean environment and eating consistent, well-balanced meals.
Now that he felt better, Matthew’s personality began to shine through. He’s hardworking, disciplined, and competitive in everything he does. He regularly sets a goal to be at the top of his class academically, and he often meets that goal! Matthew is a quiet leader. He is quick to complete chores, and his house parents compliment him on being respectful. He loves to organize games or teams while he is in charge of keeping time.
Matthew found his sweet spot in sports. He excels at soccer and basketball. While he might train to perform well during games, this participation builds up the muscle mass a 15-year-old should have. And yet, that’s not all. His team has become like siblings. The aunties and uncles who serve at The Shelter have become like the parents he lost to illness. He gets to visit his family during school breaks, but this time he comes as the fully healthy version of his best self.
Through your commitment to giving, you create room for children in need just like this. You are helping Matthew and children like him to become whole.
**Name changed to protect the child’s privacy.
