By Sok, Vichheka, World Vision Cambodia
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Vibol shares his story during the World AIDS day in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia. |
12-year-old orphan Vibol lives in the north of Cambodia, which is 168 kilometres from Phnom Penh. He used to live with his mother after his father’s death. His father Sophan passed away after he became infected by HIV and died from AIDS.
Vibol's eyes glisten with sadness, “I miss my father so much. I now live with my great aunt and her five children. She is good to me and my younger brother, Virak.”
In Vibol's eyes, HIV/AIDS is a relentless monster, wrecking his family apart. Vibol lost his father to AIDS and he lost his mother who left the family without a word.
Fortunately for both Vibol and Virak, they did not get the HIV virus from their parents. They’re now orphans being brought up by their aunt Bopha, 35, who earns an income by selling oranges and planting vegetables at home.
“Because my father died from AIDS, everyone in my village referred to me as ‘The One with AIDS’. I used to be really depressed and discouraged. I did not have many friends and everyone seemed to discriminate against me and my family,” Vibol adds.
“My family’s condition was really bad. We sometimes ate porridge and I had only worn-out clothes to wear.”
World Vision came into Vibol’s life in 2006 through the Orphan Vulnerable Children (OVC) project. The OVC project seeks to improve the capacity of communities to protect children from the risk of exploitation and to ensure that these children can receive access to public education, healthcare, vocational training and other livelihood structures.
Vibol’s life gradually improved as he gained more support through World Vision. The community people also stopped discriminating against his family, as they began to understand more about HIV and AIDS, and his living conditions.
“I hope all parents take good care of their children. Fathers, please do not bring AIDS home,” says Vibol.
HIV and AIDS have a devastating effect on Cambodian families. The father, the main breadwinner, usually brings the disease home to his wife, unknowingly affecting the mother, the primary caregiver to the children. As the parents’ health deteriorates, the children are left vulnerable and without proper care.
For a child who has overcome adversity, he now dares to dream. He shares with resolve, “I will try to study hard to become a teacher because I want to share my education with other children in my community.”
Many children like Vibol are in need of help. Sponsor a child today and help the child to reach his or her dreams.
Alternatively, you can help children and youths in Singapore who are living with HIV/AIDS or whose parents are afflicted with the disease to continue their education through World Vision Singapore's One Life Fund.
