Kerala school shuts door on HIV-positive children

When questioned, a teacher said: "Their days are numbered, what is the point in giving them education?"

Like other children of their age, Akshara (8) and her brother Ananda Krishnan (6) were eager to meet their classmates when schools in Kerala reopened on June 2. But their school — Sree Narayana Lower Primary in Kottiyur, 60 km from Kannur — did not allow them to step inside. Reason: the children are HIV carriers.

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"The headmaster told me that some parents had threatened to withdraw their wards if the two were allowed to study there," Rema Kumar, 30, the mother who is also HIV-positive, told HT. "He directed me not to send my children."

Rema's husband, Shaji Kumar, a motor mechanic in Mumbai, had died of AIDS last June. Her eldest daughter Athira (12), who was born before Kumar contracted the virus, is negative. Reema, Akshara and Ananda were confirmed HIV positive two months after Kumar's death.

Since Akshara and Ananda were away in Kozhikode with their mother for treatment, they could not pursue their studies last year. But their dream of relaunching their schooling has been shattered.

"When I questioned their decision, a teacher told me: 'Their days are numbered, what is the point in giving them education?'," said Rema. "Akshara (a Class III student) stood first in her class last year. She is also a good dancer and poet."

Still, Reema is determined to provide the best education to her children.

She has already petitioned a number of officials, including the Chief Minister, but is yet to hear from them.