By Jean Osbert Victor, Child Advocate
Claudine is a precious little twelve year-old girl in the 5th grade. She is very intelligent
and loves to go to school. She has been progressing very well in her learning,
and her favorite subject is math.
Claudine used to live with her biological aunt, but moved
last year to live with her mother, who suffers from mental illness. Claudine has never known her father…in fact,
she doesn’t actually know whether he is even alive. Her mother doesn’t have a
job because of her mental illness. Claudine has four brothers and sisters who
are in the same situation as her.
Claudine’s aunt thinks it would be safer for the girl
to live with her than with her mother, but her mother insists on keeping her at
home. Her mother lives far from
Claudine’s school, so every day Claudine has to catch a tap tap (taxi) to get
to school.
What I really respect about Claudine is that she is
very courageous and determined. Her
dream is to be able to help her mother in the future and provide for her. Her mother often comes home to help her with
her homework, then goes back to the streets to earn money. This is difficult
for Claudine, and bothers her a lot.
The fact that Restavek Freedom sponsors Claudine’s
school tuition, books and school uniforms, and has provided her with an
advocate, means Claudine now has an exponentially greater chance of succeeding
in life and seeing her dreams come true.
May we continue helping her until she is able to reach her goals and
give herself a better life!
*Child’s name has been changed to protect their
privacy.