October 2011 Report

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. 

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.

Isabel, her son, her daughter, and Luzinha

May 2011 Report

We are happy to report that the twenty-one foster children in Acenda are thriving with their families.  Our most recent report from Iris Domingos, our project coordinator, had many wonderful updates.  Suzanna,  who is hearing impaired, is finding joy in communicating as she learns sign language.  Melita, 14 years old, is doing much better in school this year.  Batista, a 10 year old boy with special needs, has received some new treatments. Several of our children have transferred schools and are achieving better grades. 

Baptista, 2011

 One of our foster care mothers, Clara Amelia Matsinhe, currently works for Mozambique's Social Action  (similar to USA's Child Protective Services).  She is an experienced social worker with her specialty being children. Clara Amelia has shared with us the reality of having Zinha, 14 years old, join her family.  She said, "In the beginning it was very hard  teaching Zinha the rules and expectations in our home.  Everyone would become easily frustrated."  She talked about the need to have a great deal of patience and persistence.  In time, they have succeeded in creating a peaceful and loving family. 

Zinha, Clara Amelia, Clara's daughter

 Zinha is in the 7th grade this year and is a bright student.  When she is not studying or helping around the house, her mom said she can always be found on the soccer field.