orphan care
There are 12 million orphans in sub-Saharan Africa today as a result of AIDS. This number is expected to rise to more than 18 million by 2010. Many of these children will grow up without love, a home, security or education. Many will become so-called 'orphan-headed households' where children as young as 10 years old may be looking after younger siblings. These children not only have to deal with the day-to-day stress of running a home, but also have to cope with the trauma of losing their parents as well as the stigma of HIV.
We know from history that orphanages are not the best way to look after children. And, in most parts of Africa, there are no resources to run expensive care homes.
Our work with orphans and vulnerable children involves supporting them through home visits when their parents are still alive and then providing emotional and spiritual support after their parents die. We also help children plan for their future by either helping them to start running the household themselves (if they are old enough) or facilitating foster care into a stable family environment. Some of our partner projects work with families before they foster, training them in the issues around taking on another child.
Partner projects
> Barnabas Trust, South Africa
> Beautiful Gate, South Africa
> Bread for Children, Kenya
> Centre for Urban Mission, Kenya
> Community Care Project, South Africa
> Ethembeni Community Project, South Africa
> Ikhwezi Support Group, South Africa
> Ingwavuma Orphan Care, South Africa
> Izandla Zethemba, South Africa
> Little Seeds, South Africa
> Lithemba Support Group, South Africa
> Lulisandla Kumntwana, South Africa
> Newfrontiers Aid Trust, South Africa
> Masizakhe Community Project, South Africa
> Rema Ministries, Tanzania
> Success Self Help Group, Kenya
> St Paul's Outreach, South Africa
> Word Alive Ministries, Malawi
Fact: Orphans are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse and are more likely to miss out on school, go hungry and suffer psychological problems (UNAIDS)
