Case study - Irene Wanjiru

Irene is doing well in class and has won many prizes in school. This year she has been promoted to class eight. She is happy and confident in everything she does and likes to be at the forefront of all activities. Initially she was naive and could hardly speak but now her confidence has been restored and she is always keen to help

Background

Both of Irene's parents fell sick and died 12 years ago. They were both HIV Positive and died in the same year which was devastating to Irene and she became difficult to control. When she joined Kandara Children's Home, Irene could not adapt and for the five years she lived in the Home but was never happy. It was thought that she had taken after her mother and become senile as she was abusive, uncooperative and unable to relax. Her performance in school was generally very poor. Sometimes with scores of 98 out of 500 and she was unable to perform any homework or duty.

When the Outreach Programme became involved in Irene's case she was restored back to her paternal home with her elder brother and younger sister. This was a great moment for her. Irene is attending school and takes care of her young sister in the absence of her elder brother who is working as a house help in Thika Town.

Since Irene was placed back home there has been wonderful improvement and change in her and she has been performing well in class.