Project description
HIV/AIDS claims many victims in South Africa. There are many children who lost both parents due to AIDS. With no big brother or sister to fall back on, these orphans are left to fend for themselves and roam the streets with all the consequences. Sun City is a shelter for these orphans. The children are fed and mentored into adulthood. Staff and church volunteers provide physical and spiritual care. The children also go to school. Sunshine in their lives!
Why this project?
Our churches have been involved in this project in South Africa since 2004. The local churches could not bear the burden of the HIV/AIDS problem without outside help. The South African government was initially very reluctant. Fortunately, the latter has changed, but that does not alter the fact that the care and guidance of (semi-)orphans is still needed. There are about 2.2 million HIV/AIDS orphans in South Africa. Almost 20% of people aged 15-49 are infected with HIV.
Impact
Children receive shelter, food and education. Their chances of a decent future are thus enhanced.
What can we learn?
A growing child costs money. This is no different with us than in South Africa. Children need shelter, healthy food, clothing and education. As long as our help is needed, we want to be there for the orphans helped through this project.
