John is a boy aged nine years living with his mom and his younger sister Patience. Patience is one year, four months. The two siblings live with their mother, Betty Andavi.
Betty is currently separated with the dad of the children. She shares that they separated a year ago. She was a victim of domestic abuse and felt at some point that the only way out for her was to separate from her husband. She is unaware of the whereabouts of her former husband and hence the responsibility of bringing up the children is left to her alone.
John is currently in class four in the public primary school nearby. However, John hasn't been able to attend school and is home most of the time because the mother is unable to come up with the required fees to keep John in school. The mother shared with me that when she is able to get some side jobs like washing peoples clothes, the money is only enough for food and hence she is not able to support her son's education.
The family lives in a single room mud/mabati house as that is all the mom is able to pay for. The house doesn’t have electricity or water. The family uses a lantern for lighting and firewood or paraffin stove for cooking.
Betty shared that her biggest wish is that her son will be able to go through school and achieve his dreams. She shared that it hurts her when the boy is at home because they can't afford school fees. John keeps asking the mom why she cannot send him to school.
