Much has been said about the current AIDS crisis in sub-Saharan Africa. This epidemic has tremendous repercussions on communities and the country as a whole since the number of homeless children grows while the number of parents and caregivers declines. The most vulnerable victims of illness and death in Africa are the children.
Most often, when children lose their parents, they are taken in by extended family to care for them. But for families already barely able to supply for their own needs, the demands of caring for more children compounds the challenge of survival. It is common for grandparents to take in their orphaned grandchildren, often several of them at a time. Generally, grandparents (often a widowed grandmother) will willingly take in orphans, but due to their age they are physically less able to provide for the added burden plus the challenge of parenting. They are left with children of any age, from breast fed infants to teenagers. Many times the children are too young to participate in field labour and the aging grandparents find it difficult, if not impossible, to provide for the growing family.
We count it a privilege to assist families like this, who are struggling to survive. We provide crucial help to needy homes through a monthly supply of food as well as school supplies, medicines and home improvement projects (construction of brick homes, roofs, latrines, etc.). We have the opportunity to pray and interact with the family on a regular basis, and to address concerns or issues as they come up.
There are still many children needing help! As more sponsors come on board, we can expand our efforts. If you are interested in sponsoring an orphan, please email us at dwight@samministries.org.
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