Joan is 12 years old and never met her father. Her father, Venansio, died from AIDS just months after she was born. Venansio was one of the first in the immediate area to die of AIDS and his death created many rumors which made life very difficult for his family.

Joan has three older brothers who work as laborers when there is work available. Her mother works by digging holes. A 12-hour-day of digging holes will bring about 1650 shillings (about $1) to the family. After spending a back-breaking day, she must walk home which is often a distance of 5 km (about 3.11 miles).

Joan knows her mother is most likely infected with the AIDS virus and is relieved each day when she sees her mother coming up the road. It means she has one more night to share with her. Because her mother is gone all day, every day, this 12-year-old is responsible for all the household duties in their humble mud hut. She cooks beans and bananas for their daily meal with the same fire that warms their home.

Joan has been chosen to attend school through the support of GCCI. The beans and bananas she shares with the rest of the family come from the food she receives from GCCI's feeding program.

Joan is suffering from syphilis which can be successfully treated when money comes available for her to travel to a clinic to receive the necessary medication.

This brave young girl dreams of completing school so she can get a "respectable" job and earn money so her mother can finally rest.

Joan traveled to the United States as part of the SIFA Africa project in 2008 and was very excited about the opportunity.

Although Joan is surrounded by the devastation of the AIDS virus, she (like other children facing the same difficulties) never give up hope that a cure will be found and her mother will be healed.