ORPHANED AND VULNERABLE
Due to HIV/AIDS in Kenya

A year ago, ChildFund embarked on a long-term support program for Kenyan children in the cities of Mombasa and Nairobi and the Coast Province of Kenya. Their lives have been devastated by HIV/AIDS. Our vision for these orphaned and vulnerable children is backed by a generous matching grant that significantly increases ChildFund’s ability to help them.

Under the terms of this grant, ChildFund must raise a total of $802,964.81. Every dollar contributed by supporters like you will be matched by $4.36 from the $3,500,000 grant!

In the second year of this program, ChildFund continues to work in large, urban areas with widespread slums, as well as in isolated, rural and drought-stricken areas. Our focus remains on orphans and children who have been made vulnerable by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

• Provide better health care programs that include follow-up and continuing care for children who are HIV positive. HIV testing and counseling have been administered to more than 4,500 children. In addition, more than 17,000 at-risk children under age 5 receive three-month nutritional supplements.
• Offer full access to education and community assistance. ChildFund has provided school books and educational materials to about 24,500 children, and school attendance has increased. Sanitary conditions in schools have been improved with newly constructed toilets, water tanks and training for school staff on appropriate health policies.

• Conduct training and skills-building workshops so that communities can give better care for their most vulnerable children on their own, without depending on outside assistance.

One of the children helped by this program is a boy named Reuben, who lives with his mother, two sisters and two brothers in a one-room house in the Korogocho slums outside of Mombasa. Reuben’s father died in 2003, and his mother, Esther, who struggles every day to take care of her children, is HIV positive. Sadly, so is Reuben.

But despite his difficult life, Reuben is filled with hope. He told us, “When I grow up, I want to be a doctor so that I can treat the sick and those who don’t have strength.” Through this grant, Reuben receives books and a school uniform so he can pursue his education. His mother receives food for her hungry children, kerosene to brighten their dark home and warm bedding. Plus, she is preparing for her future with training on healthy living and economic empowerment.

Please help ChildFund continue the important work we are doing for children in Kenya. Remember, every dollar you give to our Children in Kenya fund will be matched with $4.36 to bring long-term, strategic help to children like Reuben who are struggling with desperate situations … yet are reaching for a future of opportunities. Whatever amount you give will make a tremendous difference for children suffering from the effects of HIV/AIDS. Thank you.