Sylverine is 16 and lives alone with her little sister, Camerika.  Their mother died giving birth to Camerika, 4 years ago.  They used to be at the orphanage, arriving just after Camerika was born.  At a certain age, children are sent back to their village to re-assimilate with their people; aunts, uncles, cousins.  The thinking is that children should not live their whole lives in an orphanage.  It is better to go back to family when they are older and require less care.  To go back to where they belong.  So they were sent home.  But Sylverine’s family sent her back, insisting that she would be better off here because she has a school sponsor who pays her fees. They sent her little sister back with her.  Camerika waits at the orphanage for her sister after school and then they go back to a rented room. There are many children who are in far worse situations, but we were so very touched by this young girl.   We walked them home and asked Sylverine to describe her day.  “I get up at 5am, walk to fetch water.  Then I make the fire to warm the water to bathe the child.  I make something for Camerika to eat and then for myself.  We dress and go to school.  After school, I fetch my sister and head home.  Sometimes we eat at the orphanage. Sometimes my aunt sends money and I buy food for us.  Sometimes she helps with the rent, which is equal to a few dollars a month.”  We told her she is very brave and strong.  She said, “No, I am afraid and alone.”