Mitchelle

My name is Mitchelle.  I am 13 years old. I live with my parents, they are both drunkards and most of the time they are drunk and I have to go and fetch them from the road side. Before I knew my HIV status I used to take my brother Bob to pick his ARVs.

I started taking him to hospital from the time I was 8 because my parents would be too drunk.  When I was 10 I started getting sick and weak. I was not shocked I tested HIV positive because I was used to seeing my brother. I am the one who ensures he has taken his medication and that both of us have gone to school. My only fear is that I am soon completing my primary education and what next. My parents are nowadays being arrested for drunkenness and disorderliness and most of the time they don’t raise the little amounts of money asked for in school.  This year the teachers allowed me to go through with classes though Bob and I had school fees arrears.  I doubt next year they will let me.  I am so scared of dropping out of school.  Most of the girls who drop out of school are exposed to bad boys and get raped and pregnant.  If they suspect you have HIV and maybe they have been exposed to it through raping you they beat you up. My mum and dad need help.  I hear there are places where people who get drunk get therapy and stop drinking.  I think if they stop drinking they could take care of us better. School is a safe haven. 
I want to go to school.