Dear Karen,

OMNI KIDS:
Creaness, a grade one student, was vulnerable but is now both vulnerable and a single orphan since her father died this year. As of Dec.1,2011, Creaness is on antibiotics, vitamin B and panado for yellow fever (prescribed at Children’s Hospital). Besides the meds she was told to drink sugar solution to help clear her system and the yellow pigment in the eyes. So I bought her a 2kg packet of sugar at K15,000. This last school term her attendance has been poor. As a matter of fact, her test results do not allow her to proceed to 2nd grade. Until the elder sister to Creaness’ mother was informed of the situation. That is when Creaness was moved to live with the aunt. This aunt is 33 years old married with 4 children of her own. She lives away from George. The husband is a farm worker. Eating, bedding, and clothing for Creaness is very difficult. However, Creaness is one of the OMNI kids whom we bought shoes and have a hot meal at OMNI shcool. Creaness is at high risk of child abuse and neglect by surviving parent. My recommendation is to carry out home assessment and have her enlisted on OMNI home feed program.

Further, X, a first grader, did miss some days for tests this term which ended on Dec.2nd 2011. He was absent due to clinic appointments for HIV meds and reviews. I will conduct further investigation on the matter. The boy seems to be doing well and has a caring family.

Honester’s mother reported to me that Honester has not performed well at school and that she wont proceed to fifth grade. Her grades are average. However, her mother’s concern is that Honester has an eyesight problem. The mother has observed this at home. My recommendation is to have a talk with Honester and then have an eye examination at the hospital.

Blessings,
Oswald Kaputu