Yidenekachew, a boy’s name that means “Let them admire”, had me admiring on his shiny smile which seemed to light up the tiny room that house himself, his grandmother, his two younger brothers and his cousin. Yidenekachew’s mother lives in the rural area. Life is very hard that she could not take care of her three sons but forced to send them off to their grandmother living in the city, hoping that her children would be better taken care there.
Can you imagine a life without parents, health and a legal identity? At birth, Gambi (fake name) contracted HIV from his mother and later became an AIDS orphan. Instead of caring for him, his aunt took his parents’ house and even abused him. When Gambi was diagnosed with tuberculosis and became seriously ill, CEDAR Fund’s ministry partner Trinity Project Trust *(TPT) knew his case from a call asking for help and then sought for police intervention. Although Gambi was 17 years old, he was NOBODY under the law because he did not have any identification! This is also why his aunt could easily steal his house and properties.
Development of children in China has improved significantly as the economy soars, and many UN Millennium Development Goals are reached before the target dates. However, urban-rural and east-west inequality and disparity are still huge, which means it is harder for some children in the western or rural areas to get proper education and hygiene services. The Lisu hill tribe children living along the mountainous border of Yunnan are an example.
Once, there was a three-year-old girl who offered to share her red packet money with the needy in Africa. The money could bring her another new dress, but it could also provide several basic meals or the one and only piece of new clothing for some Africans. A new dress would be an icing on the cake, yet this little girl chose to share what she had.
“I hope my child will be caring and willing to share,”- probably the wish of many of the new generation of parents today. With Chinese New Year just around the corner, apart from sharing candies, toys or books with friends, children can also take part in CEDAR’s ‘Pass the “Gut” – Goodness．Gracious’ Campaign, learning more about the needs of the poor from afar, and contributing their red packet to share the joy with others.
Viji Keren has joined the children ministry of CEDAR’s partner, Christian Missions Charitable Trust (CMCT), for ten years and CEDAR’s staffs have been keeping close contact with Viji regarding the children in India. Today we get to know this frontline worker better through her sharing.
