Orphans and Vulnerable Children

At BetterWorld, we are profoundly impacted by the plight of orphans and vulnerable children throughout the world, and we are working in Sub-Saharan Africa to address this growing crisis. According to conservative estimates, the number of children orphaned by AIDS may exceed 20 million by 2010.

Children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS are likely to suffer from poor nutrition, poor health, low school attendance, and emotional difficulties. They also face the added burden of stigma and discrimination. Older children struggle to care for younger siblings and chronically ill family members, while living in financially stretched households. Many engage in high-risk behaviors to support themselves and their families.

BetterWorld recognizes that the impact of HIV/AIDS on children and their families is not a simple problem with an easy solution. The situation is complex, interrelated on all levels of life, and cuts across all sectors of development.

In response, we work with organizational partners to:

  • Provide nutrition, education and clothing to orphans and vulnerable children

  • Design income-generating activities that support and sustain community-based care

  • Strengthen the care and coping strategies of families and communities

  • Engage children and youth as active participants in programs that address their needs