Two teenaged children, who were orphaned after their parents died of AIDS, on Monday sought the Collector’s help for their education and employment through an aged relative who was taking care of them.
In a petition submitted to Collector Jayashree Muralidharan, R Priya (name changed) (18), who came along with her 15-year-old brother from Lalgudi area, said when their father, an AIDS-afflicted person, died four years ago, they were under the care of their mother, who was also HIV positive.
Four months ago, their mother also died of AIDS and the siblings, were left under the care of a distant relative, Irudhaya Mary (70).
Irudhaya Mary, an agricultural worker, was not able to bring up the children and sought the help of other relatives.
“If they are given proper care and education, I will be the happiest person because I am worried about their safety,” Mary stressed.
Priya, a Class 9 drop out, wanted work to feed her brother. “If anyone helps me trains me for self employment, I will help my brother pursue his education,” a confident Priya said.
The children met Collector Jayashree Muralidharan and appealed to her to help them fulfil their wishes. The Collector received the petition and forwarded it to the Social Welfare Department.
The District Social Welfare Officer, Yasodhai, said in the case of the siblings, the department would consult officials of other departments to support them.
“The children who are orphaned after the death of parents afflicted with AIDS are also considered on common grounds and are eligible for support from the government,” Yasodhai added.
Tamizh, president of Positive People’s Network, Tiruchy, said the orphaned children would be referred to private organisations that would be given government aid for basic amenities.
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