Twelve-year-old Biew (not her real name) lost her mother to HIV/AIDS three years ago. Her father is also infected and recently became very ill. As a result, Biew had to take over her father's restaurant in addition to attending school. This is Biew's story.
Today, our team visited a young girl named Biew, who lives in northeast Thailand. She lives in a simple hut with her 16-year-old brother and her father. Her mother passed away in 2022 after her body lost the fight against HIV.
Edge of death
Biew is a diligent student and responsible for many household tasks. She cleans the house, does her homework, and remembers her father's doctor's appointments. His father is often too busy earning an income to take care of his body. And so it happened that he didn't take his medication for two years. He became so ill that he nearly died recently.
Too long days
He ended up in the hospital, so the family lost their entire income. Biew and her brother decided to keep the noodle stall open after school, and the two of them would shop at the market and make noodles. She starts around 5:00 PM and stops selling when she's sold enough, which is usually around 11:00 PM. Then she cleans up, does her homework, and doesn't sleep until after midnight.
Wake up early
The next day, she gets up early to shop at the market. And then she goes to school. It's a life that's very intense for an adult, let alone a 12-year-old girl. Fortunately, her father is now back on his medication and has been discharged from the hospital.
Help from Siam-Care
Siam-Care supports Biew and her brother's education. Biew is in the first year of high school, and her brother is studying to become an electrician at the vocational college (MBO). Without support, neither child would likely be able to attend school. Thanks to the help of people like you (who are reading this), we at Siam-Care can give Biew and her brother a future. Thank you for that!
Wil jij ook iemand als Biew een toekomst geven? Klik dan hier!