LILONGWE, Malawi, 30 April May 2008 – At just 13 years of age, Tiyamike was already a veteran caregiver responsible looking after four younger siblings. Tiyamike’s father had died the year before, due to complications from AIDS, and soon after, when his HIV-infected mother took ill, Tiyamike left school and started working. Now 15, Tiyamike struggles every month to find work in a poor area. Sometimes he makes bricks for modern houses. Other times he works in the field, working nine-hour days for $5 a month. When he comes home in the evening, he takes care of the little ones. There is no time for him to play with his friends.

In addition to these burdens, Tiyamike’s brother Blessings, 5, is also living with HIV. But even with his heavy responsibilities, Tiyamike says he never thought about giving away his brothers and sisters after his parents died.
“I am used to being like a father to the kids. They respect me for it,” Tiyamike said, while holding his brother Blessings. “It was clear I had to be the breadwinner in the family. I had to be strong for the kids, because it is important for them to grow up well.”