Having lost her mother and sister to HIV, Laura almost lost the will to live, she tells us about the new challenges she faces.
Finishing my KCPE exams was the highest point in my life. I was very excited, I felt accomplished, as it had been a long struggle. Days and weeks passed, and I spent my time at home. It was really nice as I had time to relax and do a few things around the house.
Just about the same time, life did a three sixty on us and my father lost his job. It was so hard, without money, or even food. Right then I saw my dreams of ever joining secondary school fade right in front of my eyes. I wanted to join secondary school so badly. Christmas was approaching.
This situation was too hard for my family. My aunt came to our rescue by suggesting that I go and live with her. Without hesitating, I agreed. As we arrived at her house, I was surprised to see a big house with many rooms. I was taken to one of the rooms to use as my bedroom.
One night I sat on the bed staring at the clock, tears streamed down my cheeks. I couldn’t help comparing my family life and my aunt’s. I asked myself why my family was living in such poverty. There was neither food to eat nor clothes to wear. In my aunt’s house food was plenty, so much so that she would give some away so that it wouldn’t rot. This is when I realised that life would never be the same.
A month later, I returned home after the holiday. My results were already out and I was eager to know my grade. I was not happy with what I saw and felt completely shocked, but I still wanted to join secondary school. I wanted to become a journalist but my dad could not pay school fees and I felt that my bad health was going to be the downfall of my whole entire life.
My father started drinking alcohol. I could not help getting angry all the time. I mean he was drinking the money that he could save to take me to school. All my age mates are going to school while I am just at home. February is almost over and I haven’t heard anything from my father.
Nowadays I feel a lot of stress. This is because I don’t go to school. I am happy that at least I have Eneza Ujumbe. Through it I and my fellow writers can express the problems we face as young adults.
