THE CHILDREN
The HHF supports approximately one hundred and twenty vulnerable children ranging from three to nineteen years of age in Lenana.
We support orphans, abandoned and/or HIV infected or affected children. Roughly 60% are orphans, 20% belong to HIV-infected mothers and 20% belong to destitute single mothers who are at great risk of becoming HIV positive. We also support refugee and abandoned children.
Most of our children are residents of Lenana. 80% live with their grandmothers, mothers or guardians while 20% live in our hostel or attend boarding school.
Once enrolled, the children are provided with three meals a day, quality education, good medical care, housing, if needed, and above all, a safe and loving place to call “home”.
Orphans
Our children suffer deeply from malnutrition, which makes them extremely vulnerable to diseases such as tuberculosis, rickets, HIV and dehydration. They roam the streets often becoming prey to sexual and labor exploitation and harassment by gangs and drug recruiters. Girls who live on the streets are often recruited for prostitution.
HIV infected or affected children
These children either belong to HIV-positive mothers or destitute single mothers who are at great risk of becoming HIV positive. Surprisingly, only 10% of our children are HIV positive. These children are provided with antiretroviral drugs and are currently enjoying good health. All enrolled children are HIV tested on a continual basis. HIV+ mothers are also supported medically and nutritionally.
Abandoned children
These children are normally brought to us by kind souls – usually slum residents. They have been abandoned by their parents and are found wandering the streets alone. In most cases they are abandoned when their mother dies, specially when there is no grandmother to take over.
Refugee children
During the post-election violence in January 2008, the HHF worked in one of the refugee camps. The need was overwhelming. The Fund rescued twelve orphans and two HIV positive mothers, each with three toddlers who were in extreme danger of dying of dehydration.
Do you wish to sponsor one of our children? Read their stories – we promise you a wonderful and fulfilling experience!