There are 1.6 million orphaned children in Mozambique. In the past, orphaned children were cared for by extended families. However, the epidemic has placed too great a stress on this traditional safety net. A recent government study revealed that only 12.5% of the households with orphaned children received any assistance; half of the families were female-lead; and school attendance among orphaned children was much lower.
Acenda sponsors are greatly helping those who cannot help themselves. You are giving orphaned children hope for a better life now and in the future. As always, we express our gratitude to each of you for the sacrifices that you make to help us keep this important program viable.
Isabel Jonase Olante is a beautiful Mozambican woman who lost her husband to HIV/AIDS. She now cares for not only her own children, but the children of her deceased sister. When she was approached by our Project Coordinator, Iris Domingos, to care for Luizinah, she immediately said yes. Luizinah's mother was Isabel's best friend.
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| Isabel Jonase Olante, Acenda Foster Mother |
Typical of most Mozambican households, there are 10 people living in a very small home. She creates the kind of environment where her grown children come for frequent visits--it is a gathering place. Her home, though simple, is well maintained and surrounded by vegetable gardens.
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| Isabel, her son, her daughter, and Luzinha |
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