Dear Similo

Your situation is very difficult but having sex for money will only lead to more problems. Many men who pay for sex refuse to use condoms. So you could end up pregnant or HIV-positive or both. It’s also possible that you will be beaten or raped.
Sex work (also called prostitution) is illegal in Zimbabwe so, if something bad happens to you, the police may not protect you and you could end up in jail. Please don’t do this. It will only lead to more misery. 
What you CAN do is think of all the other ways to earn money, or how to find a person or organisation to help you.  Ask as many people as you can – in your school, church or community – and keep on asking. The Ministry of Social Welfare may be able to help.

If all your efforts fail, don’t lose hope. Many people finish their schooling when they’re older.  Also, there are other ways to learn. Get what skills you can, whether you’re paid or not. Find out about projects in your area and ask if you can help. Borrow books to read too.

When you eventually decide to have sex, do it for love and not for money.  And make sure you know all about male and female condoms, contraceptive pills, and other ways to protect yourself from pregnancy, STIs and HIV. Good luck.

Auntie Stella