Real lives In Kenya, ActionAid funds the Kicoshep school which helps children who are affected/orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Claris Akinyi is 14 years old and lives in the Kibera slums in Nairobi. "We moved here when my dad got sick. The Kicoshep project workers supported my mum at home and said that we children could come to the Kicoshep school. I started the school in 1999. Then my dad died and we found out that my mum was sick too. My four older brothers and sisters ran away because they were scared. I stayed with my four younger brothers and sisters. When my mum got sick, a woman from Kicoshep would come and help us at home. Nobody would buy maize from Mum any more after she became sick. So I went to the market to sell maize, and that's when I got interested in business. I also cooked for the family because my mum was too sick to do it. In fact, I still cook for my brothers and sisters who are left, and they help out too. My cousin Francis continues my mum's maize business. I'm in standard seven at the Kicoshep school. I'm very happy coming to school. Education here is free. We also get free medical care, and the rent for my cousin's house is paid by the school. When I went to school before, we had to pay money. I talk with my friends about how we can protect ourselves from HIV/AIDS. I really enjoy playing football. My favourite position is goalkeeper."