Case Study 1
Child's Name: Linda EsekhonAge: 12 Years
Sex: Female
Date of Admission: 2000.
Mother's Name: Mary Engorok
Residence: Kipsongo Slum, Kitale
Siblings:
Samson Erupe, Approved School
Maurice Esimit, Birunda VCP
Jackson Lomorkai, Kipsong Training
Moses Ipeo, At Home
Background:
Linda's family separated some time ago leaving the mother with the five children living in Kipsongo slum in a single roomed hut. The mother has turned to alcohol for solace and can become rough and cruel when drunk. This along with the lack of basic needs at home has lead to all of the siblings looking to the Kitale streets as a place to beg and scavenge, and for the older children; a home.
Linda was identified from the streets of Kitale as a child in need, then just 8 years old, she had started on the slippery slope of street life that leaves so many young girls vulnerable and at the mercy of their peers.
Now Linda is attending Liyavo Primary School and is in class 3. She is an active member of the project choir and enjoys sports and generally playing around. During school holidays she often prefers to stay at the project though we try and insist she go home at least for a day visit.
Comment:
Young girls are particularly vulnerable and open to abuse especially when living on the streets. npyt, with the District Children's Officer's blessing, can streamline the admission process and take any emergency case with a minimum of bureaucracy. Prompt home visits are then a must to ensure all stake holders are fully aware of the situation.