The harsh reality of Tanzanian teenager who takes care of a family of seven

Rombo. In the heart of Kwalakamu village, in Rombo District of Kilimanjaro Region, 14-year-old James Efram shoulders responsibilities that most adults would find overwhelming.

His life, marked by hardship and sacrifice, paints a poignant picture of resilience in the face of adversity.

James is a sixth-grade student at Mamonjo Primary School, a short distance from his humble home. Yet, education has taken a backseat in his life. The daily grind of caring for his family has become his primary focus. James lives in a dilapidated mud house, its roof perpetually leaking and its walls pockmarked with holes. During the rainy season, the house transforms into a hazardous shelter, yet it remains the only refuge for his family.

The burden of caregiving falls heavily on James. His mother battles severe mental health issues, rendering her incapable of providing for the family, while his father passed away in 2011. With an older sister having fled the harsh conditions, James, as the second eldest, has become the de facto head of the household. He is responsible for his five younger siblings, who rely on him for their basic needs.

James' daily routine is a grim testament to his dedication. Much of his time is spent begging in the village to secure food and basic necessities. The experience is fraught with challenges—he endures insults and derogatory remarks from those who fail to understand his plight. Despite the harsh treatment, James remains steadfast in his commitment to his family.

A recent visit by The Citizen to James' home revealed the stark realities he faces. The family’s living conditions are dire: they lack proper bedding, making do with clothes spread out on the floor. "The challenges we face are immense," James shared. "We don’t have a proper place to sleep; it's like we’re sleeping outside. We often have no food, and since I’m the one my family relies on, I sometimes miss school to go and beg so my five siblings and my mother can get something to eat."

"After school, still in my uniform, I go around asking for food so my siblings don’t go to bed hungry," he added.

James’ story is a heart-wrenching illustration of the resilience required to navigate extreme poverty and family responsibility. His sacrifices and unwavering dedication to his family highlight a broader issue faced by many in similar circumstances—a struggle for survival amidst overwhelming adversity.

Despite his challenging circumstances, his story has sparked a wave of support from both local leaders and community members determined to improve his family's living conditions.

James, a student at Mamonjo Primary School, has been juggling the demands of caregiving for his five younger siblings while struggling to attend school.

His situation came to light when he missed two weeks of classes, prompting concern from his teachers. Class teacher and discipline teacher visited James' home and were struck by the dire conditions they found. James, lacking basic necessities like school shoes, explained his absence and the struggles he faces.

Moved by his situation, his headteacher, Spensioza Kwayu, convened a meeting with the school staff. In an act of solidarity, six of James' teachers agreed to contribute Sh5,000 each from their salaries to support him. Their concern was not just for his immediate needs but also for his impressive academic performance—James has consistently ranked first in exams despite his hardships.

Further support came from Rombo MP Prof Adolf Mkenda, who is also the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology. Prof Mkenda, alongside Glad's Welfare, an organization dedicated to aiding those in need, has pledged to help improve James' living conditions. Prof Mkenda emphasized the broader issue, urging Tanzanians to recognize and address similar cases of hardship across the country.

A representative of Glad's Welfare, Ms Glads Lyamuya, expressed deep empathy for James’ plight and announced plans to build a new house for his family. This gesture is a testament to the collective effort to provide James with a more stable environment, allowing him to focus on his education and personal growth.

James’ story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by many young individuals who are thrust into roles of responsibility far beyond their years. His courage and dedication, coupled with the community's support, offer a glimmer of hope that even in the face of severe adversity, positive change is possible.

At an age when most children are immersed in their studies and play, James stands as a beacon of perseverance and love for his family, demonstrating the profound strength that can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.