Kennedy M

Kennedy M is 14 years old. When he was born, his family abandoned him in hospital after his mother died at child birth. The doctors at the hospital did not tell his family his HIV+ status and instead informed them that he had Anaemia. After staying in hospital for very long, his elder brother was finally traced living upcountry and Kennedy was taken there. He was not going to school and to raise money for food, Kennedy began herding goats for the neighbours. A good neighbour took him in and in return for herding the goats the neighbour fed Kennedy and took him to school. He managed to study up to class 7 at which point the neighbour could not assist any further. Kennedy was left alone again, his health worsened and he soon fell very ill. His family gave up on him and all just waited for him to die. An elder sister heard about Lea Toto from her neighbour and brought Kennedy to be tested, he was found to be HIV positive and upon hearing the news he was heart broken. He could not understand how it was possible for him to be positive yet all he knew was that he is Anaemic. After counselling, Kennedy is now coming to terms with his status and he hopes he can live. He joined Lea Toto in February 2009. He would like to go back to school so that one day he may find a good job as a musician and end his suffering.
Kennedy is currently living with his brother in an unfinished structure, where his brother is allowed to stay to provide security for the tools and equipment in exchange for accommodation.