ORPHANS

The 'orphans' described in this project are young children (around the age of 7) who have either lost both parents or one parent (a major factor probably being AIDS-related deaths since over 20% of Zambians are HIV+ with the average life expectancy of a Zambian is now 33 years).

The remaining parent (often a single mother) or the extended family (often a single grandmother) is frequently unable to provide adequate care for the orphan due to their own poverty levels and the competing demand to provide adequately for their own children. Most people survive in rural Zambia by growing their own food and selling/trading small surpluses; very few locals would be employed and earning a salary.

Thus, the term 'orphan' used in this project really encompasses all those young local children (who have lost one or both parents) identified by an HMP survey as being extremely 'vulnerable' (to death from disease and malnutrition).

Our 32 children have improved considerably in terms of health and happiness since the program began - even after one month, the effect of a balanced diet, sleeping under treated mosquito nets, and receiving love and affection from our fun-loving 'Carers' (local female staff who are with the children on a rostered basis 24 hours a day) may be read in the faces of the children.

HELP MINISTRIES PROJECT crjuska@helpministriesproject.org