Livestock for Orphaned Children in Congo

My name is Lawrence and I am a farmer living in Tandala which is 75 km away from Gemena. This is a short story of my life here and how the American Foundation for Children with AIDS's project changed our lives.  I lost my little brother who died of HIV in 2014. He left 5 children behind, 3 boys and 2 girls. His loss made my life so difficult because I have all these orphans to raise, as well as my own family to care for.  God heard my prayers and I was selected by the AFCA supervisor after visiting us and seeing how we live.

In March 2022 I attended the training. I received tools and seeds to help in gardening. Besides that, I was given 3 female goats and 1 male. What an amazing gift!  When I planted the seeds, God blessed me and I harvested 17 bags of corn, 4 bags of soybeans, 5 of peanuts and 2 of red beans. This changed our lives. The results helped to feed my nephews and nieces, as well as my own children and wife. Those who were often sick became healthier and those who were not going to school started attending school because we were able to sell some food for school fees.

About the goats, they are doing well and multiplying. Out of the 4 I received, I reimbursed 3 females so have one to give back. I now have 6 goats of my own which will multiply and will provide for my family. As soon as I finish paying back the last goat, I will sell one to help us buy some goods for the family that I couldn't afford before.

Thanks to AFCA for the good training we have had about gardening and livestock. It helped us to plant well and harvest many products. I can now plant in rows, plant according to the agricultural calendar, rotate crops, and save seeds for next seasons. The garden income has helped us buy many things. I built a small house and bought a bicycle to take the products to the market.  I want to thank donors so much. We are praying for them and please keep helping our communities here because there are many orphans, victims of HIV and civil wars.

The team here at the American Foundation for Children with AIDS thanks you for supporting this project and the work we do for the children in Africa.  As you start to make decisions regarding your giving this year, please keep us in mind so we can continue our good work through 2024 and beyond.  If you would like to learn even more about what we do or how you can meet some of the children you have helped, please contact Tanya Weaver at tweaver@AFCAids.org.