The lonely life of a six-year-old boy

[San Zang]

The lonely life of a six-year-old boy

China Daily

Ah Long carrying firewoods down the mountain path to his home​

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A six-year-old HIV carrier, has been living alone since his parents died of AIDS. The boy, known as Ah Long, does his own washing, cooking, studying and he also rears some chicken. He lives in his parents' house at the foothill village of Malu Mountain in Liuzhou in Guangxi Province, China. Ah Long has an 84-year-old grandmother, who visits him quite frequently and cooks for him. The granny has also planted some vegetables near the house for Ah Long.

Ah Long making a fire to cook dinner​

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Ah Long does know what AIDS is. All he knew was that his friends never want to be near him, doctors did not want to treat his wounds and his only family member – his granny – refused to live with him. He was also rejected by the nearby primary school. The only companion the boy has is a dog called Lao Hei.

Ah Long playing with Lao Hei in front of their house​

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Due to his complicated family background, the Welfare Department has declined to take care of the boy.

Ah Long studying in his room alone​

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He receives 70 yuan monthly subsistence allowance from the civil bureau but it is not enough. After Ah Long's story was published in Chinese newspapers, a couple announced that they would adopt the boy.

However, it has yet to materialise.