Read a story: Jean D'Amore Twagirimana
Do you remember the last time you went to the doctor? What was that like? Though sometimes visits to the doctor are painful, especially if you have to get a shot, the doctors and nurses are there to help you stay healthy. Not everyone is so lucky. In many parts of Africa health care is very scarce. What's worse, an awful disease, AIDS, is spreading rapidly and leaving many children orphaned.
Jean D'Amore Twagirimana (john dah-Mo-ra twah-geer-ree-MAH-nah) is twelve and the sole supporter of his sisters Clementine, five, and Claire, seven. He remembers well his mother's final words to him. "I am dying," she told him, "You must be the strong one now. Take care of your sisters. Keep this house." And so he has, with help from the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association), CWS's partner in Rwanda. Jean and his sisters have been given a goat and food, and Jean somehow keeps the family fed and safe and still manages to help a neighboring girl care for her own orphaned siblings. With all his responsibilities, Jean continues to attend school, where he ranks third in his class. "The scariest time," Jean confesses, "is at night. Sometimes a neighbor boy comes and stays with us."
Jean's courage is inspiring. There are children nurturing children in many African countries - a tragedy that, surprisingly, may become Africa's greatest hope of the future. How could you help Jean and his sisters?
Give a gift of hope through Church World Service!
