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Irene is a saint. She is an outreach worker for Streets Ahead, a non government organization that helps street kids. Out of the kindness of her heart, and with no organized outside financial support, Irene takes orphaned and/or abused kids into her home. Many of them have lost their families to AIDS and others have been so badly sexually abused that it would make you cringe to hear their stories. She gives them a clean, safe, loving family to grow up in. She supports them on her +/- $150 US monthly salary. She lives in a tiny, but beautifully clean home in a township outside Harare called Tafara. I was astounded that she could have 10 children living in a 3 bedroom 800 square foot house. Apparently she’s living in luxury now! For years her home was only one bedroom and at one time she had 30 children living with her. |
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The boys all slept on the bare kitchen floor, the girls in the living room, and the babies and small children in her bedroom with her. She has 4 grown children of her own, one of whom is developmentally disabled. The children are allowed to stay until they are 18 years old. Her newest member of the family is 13 month old Donald. He is the cutest little baby you’ve ever seen. Big eyes, chocolate skin, and so peaceful and sweet. His mother, who is 17 years old, brought him to the yard at the Streets Ahead office and left him there. Other street kids chased after her and she said she didn’t want him anymore. He was dirty and malnourished. Irene found the mother and showed her where he will be living now. When I was there all but one of her children were home. They sung for us and, taught me a little Shona. Sweet, beautiful children. |
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Donald, 13 month old orphan
Irene and Donald
A few of Irene's children
