Darren, depicted by an actor.By Jim Mynard
LITTLE Darren has the scars to prove that he has seen more than his fair share of abuse and violence at the hands of his stepfather.
Darren says he hates going to bed because he has recurring nightmares about his stepfather.
He said he dreams that his stepfather comes back to get him.
Darren is eight, but looks five because of malnourishment.
This Christmas, he doesn’t have much to look forward to and fears this time of the year because he wonders whether he will see his stepfather who no longer lives with them.
It is disturbing to hear a boy say he wishes he were never born just because it is Christmas.
He hates watching everyone being so happy.
When he was referred to the Windermere Kids becoming Champions program, Darren could barely relate to anyone.
Counsellors said his frustration was easily seen and almost touchable.
“He was jumpy as a cat.”
How could such a little boy have so much anger in him?
School for him was a living nightmare because he was always picked on as the poor smelly kid. He was an easy target.
Most mornings his mother was still in bed, so Darren was always late and seldom had breakfast or lunch.
After school, Darren would be home alone with his younger siblings, or out on the streets until late.
Too often, his 19 yearold cousin would come to the rescue and cook a meal.
With the help of our Kids becoming Champions team, Darren’s life is changing for the better.
Windermere staff members say it will be a long road, but counselling is making all the difference and his mentor provides help to keep him on track.
“Each week he receives extra tuition from our volunteer tutor — to help him catch up on schooling,’’ a Windermere counsellor said.
“When we asked him about next year Darren said he just wanted to go to school and fit in.”
Windermere wants people to know about the Darrens in our society and want their support for its Christmas appeal so it can help these kids in crisis.
People who would like to support the children are invited to call Kevin Noonan at Windermere on 9705 3274.
