Josephine

Josephine is 15 years of age and is one of three children. her father died from Aids 2 years ago, her mum is HIV positive. Her older brother is HIV positive but she is not. There are suspicions that her brother was abused by the father.

She attends Gatoto primary school, is in class 8 (the last class before secondary school which lasts 4 years) and is one of the top students in the school. She hopes to get 400 out of 500 points in her final exams. If she was going to school in Ireland she should be considered an A1 student.

Till today she had never touched the mouse of a computer before. I spent the afternoon with her showing her how to use a computer. The offline wikipedia that we have installed on every machine fascinated her. Her enthusiasm to learn was incredible. Her absorption of knowledge amazing. She was particularly interested in medical information. Within an hour she was navigating around the computer asking all kinds of questions...'how does she print information...how does she write projects...what is email, the internet, multi media....'

I watched her as she worked. She was wearing a torn dishevelled cardigan, her hair and skin were immaculate, her shoes were made of shiny plastic and too big for her so they would last longer. Everything about her spoke of trying her best despite everything...it brought me to tears.

What do you want to do after school I asked her.

'I am working hard because I want to be a doctor' she answered without hesitation.
'Why a doctor' I asked

'There is so much need' she answered and then she paused.
'...and perhaps I could help my mum and brother with knowledge of medicine...'

What do you say when somebody of 14 years of age, living in absolute poverty, speaks of dreams like this?

I am absolutely convinced that eduation is the key out here and that technology can really help that cause. Even an offline wikepedia is a wonderful resource to someone like Josephine.

There are challenges in what we are trying to do but gosh they should never stop us trying...

Gary