Orphan Care

Project description

By 2010 there will be close to 200,000 orphaned children in the Kingdom of Swaziland . About 40% of Swaziland 's population is HIV positive and large numbers of parents are dying of AIDS leaving behind children with limited future prospects. Many of these children cannot afford to go to school and their hope for a bright future lies in the support of care centers and other members of society. Swaziland suffers a high rate of unemployment (about 50%) so the needs of these children are often not able to be met without outside support.

The Orphan Care Project aims to assist these vulnerable children in a number of different ways. Giving them basic education, transferring skills and helping to guide and care for the children giving them love and adult support.

The project involves working at a number of small care centers in Swaziland assisting orphans and vulnerable children. Some of these are basic, rough structures located in communities others are more organized and developed. All are in need of support and are run by people who volunteer their time and efforts. The specific aims of these centers vary but in general they provide orphaned and vulnerable children with basic food, care and education. Food is often grown in local gardens and some is donated. In addition to the education and care activities some centers need assistance with small infrastructure developments such as gardens, water systems and other physical structures. The project also involves investigation and research into areas of need and raising awareness of the children and their needs.