Lucas is only 13 years old but he is forced to do a man's job. His parents died from the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is raging in Tanzania. Their death left him with a massive job: to care for his 16 year old brother, Martine, who suffers from epilepsy.

Lucas is supposed to go to school but can't because his brother needs constant attention. Without a job or means of support, his day is taken up searching for food for the two of them to eat.

He doesn't dare leave his brother alone. Stigma towards mental illness is rife in Tanzania. Lucas fears that if he leaves his brother alone people will attack him, tease him or hurt him. Lucas is forced to keep a constant protective watch over his brother. He is sacrificing his future so that he and his brother can survive and eek out some dignity.

When BasicNeeds came to Masasi town, Lucas came to the consultation meetings. There he told BasicNeeds and the rest of his community about the problems he faced everyday.

Through BasicNeeds, Lucas was able to get Martine a proper diagnosis and some effective treatment. Lucas always makes sure to properly follow the doctor's orders. But there is still so much more to be done to help Lucas and Martine. Lucas needs to be taught how to properly look after his brother and himself. He needs to be given an education and taught a skill so that he can get a good job in the future.

We are working to help Lucas and Martine and other children in a similar situation. There are many children to help, but we will not abandon these children who are in desperate need of help.

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