http://marafikiaidsorphans.com/

This is the website for Marafiki Global Aids Ministry. You can see how to donate to an orphan or just learn more about the program on this website.

http://www.graceusa.org/

This is the website for G.R.A.C.E. You can donate to a child in need or you can click around the website to find out more information about the program and it's goals.

In order to curb the AIDS epidemic, some major issues must be addressed.

-Education is very important, especially for children orphaned by AIDS. With education, there would be more knowledge about how AIDS is transmitted and ways to prevent it.

-Access to condoms and education about condoms is also very important in order to curb the epidemic. If all people had access to condoms, there would be less transmission of the disease.

-Expansion of services for mother to child transmission is also key in curbing the epidemic. The more clinics there are, the more likely it will be for women to prevent the transmission to their babies.

-Available treatments is another key element in curbing the epidemic. Not all people in all places have available treatment. If all people had access to treatment, the epidemic would not be as severe and more people could be helped.

-Ultimately, it would be ideal if there was a cure or vaccine for AIDS, but while there is not, treatment is essential in helping those already with AIDS.

-Abstinence is clearly one last issue that would help in limiting the number of infected individuals and curbing the epidemic as a whole.

Improvements?

“In Kenya since 2001, condom distribution has been radically scaled up; 10 million were distributed in 2004 and 144 million in 2006”

“In 2006 Kenya’s President announced that antiretroviral drugs would be provided for free in public hospitals and health centers and by 2008 the number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy had almost doubled to 243,000”

“There are now more than 1,000 antenatal clinics offering PMTCT services. In 2008 an estimated 65 percent of pregnant women were tested for HIV and 56 percent of pregnant women living with HIV received antiretrovirals for preventing transmission of HIV to their babies”

“In August 2009 the Kenyan government introduced combination therapy to replace single-dosed nevirapine to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The government also emphasized the importance of male involvement in PMTCT programs”

“Extensive research shows that stigma prevents governments and communities from effectively responding to the orphan problem, as well as hindering the emotional recovery of affected children themselves. Stigma and discrimination also intensify violations of these children’s rights—in particular, their access to education, social services, and community and familial support”

“Many experience depression, anger, guilt, and fear for their futures. This experience can lead to psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress syndrome, alcohol and drug abuse, aggression, and even suicide”

In Kenya, an estimated 1.5-2 million people are living with HIV; around 1.2 million children have been orphaned by AIDS; and in 2006 85,000 people died from AIDS related illnesses

“Two-thirds of all people infected with HIV live in Sub-Saharan Africa, although this region contains little more than 10% of the world’s population”

“In Sub-Saharan Africa 12 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS”

When asked what motivated him to do his work, Rev. John Nganga replied, “God was calling me to help children that were less fortunate. I was inspired to be an instrument of change.”

Marafiki gives hope for these children in need. The Marafiki Global AIDS Ministry has saved many children from the horrors of living on the street through our Marafiki Children’s Center Orphanage and our Adopt-A-Child Program.

You can help these vulnerable children whose families have been taken away by the AIDS epidemic. They have nowhere to turn for life’s most basic necessities – food, clothing, safety, and schooling. Your contribution will mean the world to them.

Children’s Center
In addition to providing housing, food, clothing, and medical care, the Children’s Center plans to offer:

• a tuition-free elementary school for all AIDS orphans in the district
• a vocational training center teaching courses such as carpentry, sheet metal work, tailoring, automotive repair
• an orphanage for children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS
• a campsite for children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS
• an HIV/AIDS Clinic providing health care, HIV education and counseling, and a funeral home
• a full-time social worker for the children living in the Center and for the orphans living in the area who are under the care of Marafiki Global AIDS Ministry
• a recreation center for the children
• an income-producing guesthouse for Marafiki mission team members on trips to Kenya and other Mission groups.

Marafiki Orphanage

The Marafiki Children’s Center Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, houses 33 AIDS orphans in a safe and loving environment.

"I would say that the best way to help orphans is to support their households so that the children remain in a family setting with access to their culture, living on the land they inherited. Moving to an orphanage should be the last resort."

"I think i am extremely privileged to have had a part to play in the education of a few orphans and vulnerable children who are set to use their skills acquired in Universities and colleges to improve the lives of many others."

"This is the happiest day of my life. As I stand here today, I feel like any other child who has passed exams and is going to high school. Today, some of us being sent off would be working as house girls and herdsboys for rich families because we all share one name — ORPHANS.

100% of your donation to GRACE's "Keeping Hope Alive" program goes directly to support orphaned and vulnerable children who are deeply indebted to your support of their education.

G.R.A.C.E. USA

"Keeping Hope Alive"

P.O. Box 185

Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 USA

Phone: (650) 712-0561

Email: nlmartin(enter at sign)graceusa(dot)org

All donations will be acknowledged by G.R.A.C.E. USA, a 501 (c)(3), non-profit organization.

Orphans living alone or with some kind of guardians in poverty has very little hope of getting an education. However, since 2000, these 200 orphans have been sent to 14 elementary schools at a cost of $35-40 years per child. In 2002, the progression of sending the first six of these students to high school was highly celebrated. This program will continue to face substantial increases in funds required to put older children through high school, and for those with the desire and ability, through university. In 2003, the program raised funds to send 34 orphans to high school and the rest to elementary school or to vocational training. The programs main goal is to allow the 200 orphans to become self-supporting, contributing members or the community.

Grassroots Alliance for Community Education

“Keeping Hope Alive” is a program founded by Natasha Martin to support the education of 200 orphans in Butula, Kenya. Primary education in Kenya was not subsidized by the government until recently and expenses such as cooks, supplies, uniforms and travel to and from school are not covered. High school education, normally costing $500-$600 per year in fees and supplies, is not paid by the government.