AIDS Orphans Head Households (Africa)

It’s 6:00 a.m. and 14-year old Prudentio wakes up his two younger brothers ages 12 and 10. For an hour they work in their garden and then do household chores before having a bit of bread and going to school. The brothers live in Kaliro, a village in southern Uganda. Their mother and father have both died of AIDS. Prudentio is now responsible for his younger brothers. His household is one of thousands in Uganda’s “child-headed households”.

The brothers belong to an AIDS self-help group that began when it became clear that because of the epidemic many of the orphaned children would not be able to run their small farms alone. They now work their fields together. The LWF is assisting by advising the children to integrate the cultivation of bananas, yams, cassava, tomatoes, pumpkins, beans and medicinal plants in their farming. We are giving micro credit loans for the purchase of chickens, goats and cows and have assisted the boys in house repairs. Now, the 12-year old has a goal to attend the LWF vocational training center in his county for training in masonry. Prudentio wants to become a carpenter.

Through the LWF you are providing hope for this small family!

Prayer: Compassionate God, comfort your sons and daughters who live with AIDS. Give safety, courage and hope. With hopeful hearts, Amen.

(Your financial gift to the LWF may be made through the ELCA Foundation, the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, to the National Church Office of the ELCIC or directly to the LWF Regional Office in North America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago IL 60631.)