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A Generation of Orphans
Many primary caregivers (parents and grandparents) are dying because of HIV/AIDS and its effects. The traditional, extended family members e.g., aunts/uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews) who were second line caregivers are also unfit, too old or dying. Thus, orphaned children are becoming “serial orphans.” Compounding the problem is that communities can no longer afford to care for orphans. By 2010 in 12 African countries, orphans could be 15 per cent of all children under 15 years old. UNAIDS estimates that by 2010, that the number of orphans will increase to 53.1 million children under the age of 18 with 15.7 million having lost parents to AIDS. “In the past, people used to care for the orphans and loved them, but these days they are so many, and many people have died who could have assisted them, and therefore orphanhood is a common phenomenon, not strange. The few who are alive cannot support them.” (A widow in her fifties in Kenya). Surveys suggest that about 15% of the orphans are 0-4 years old, 35% are 5-9 years old, and 50% are 10-14 years old.
The Education Gap - A Bleak Future
Studies from many regions show that orphaned children have substantially lower levels of education than children who are not orphaned. Many are forced into child labor or prostitution and end up contracting AIDS. In Uganda, focus group discussions revealed that girls orphaned by AIDS were especially vulnerable to sexual abuse in domestic housework because of the stigma attached to their orphaned status.
Therefore, the orphans’ loss of caregivers not only deprives them of basic necessities (e.g., shelter, food, clothing, and health care), it also takes away their opportunities to be educated and mentored in life.
With a loss of support and poverty to get education, many youth cannot complete secondary education and also fear not being employed as well as contracting AIDS. In Kenya, youth also worry about failing school exams. They also fear that education alone will get them employed. [ “Kenya: Many Young People Cynical About Schooling” The Nation Newspaper (Nairobi), 18 August, 2007]
The Need for Care and a Societal Change
“What is often overlooked is the ripple effect the epidemic will have on future governance, social structures and growth of the worst hit countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Dramatically high mortality rates will result in the depletion of much of the labor force, both in urban and rural areas, with the losses having a profound impact on the very foundations of economies and state administration. Undoubtedly, sub-Saharan Africa is not alone in facing this challenge – several countries in Asia are beginning to feel the early impact of the “lost generation” of children orphaned and made vulnerable by AIDS. With the toll of AIDS orphans threatening to reach 25 million by the year 2010, this problem should remain at the centre of attention of all concerned – governments, the public and the media -- to stem the spread of this scourge.” (United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
We need to help them at this time. We know how to do it. However, we need you. We support orphans in 30 secondary schools in Kenya. Costs range from US$200 to $700 for one academic year; the average is $500. This is way too expensive for an orphan when the local people can earn only $ 1.00 per day or $365 for one entire year.
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