Food and Self-Reliance for AIDS Orphans

Grace is a seventy four year old guardian looking after two orphans - Minenhle, a seven year old girl and Mthokozisi, a nine year old boy. They live in a village called Maphane in the area of Wenlock, Zimbabwe.   This is a dusty place, a place that hasn't seen much rain in a long time.  It is a hard place to live, but these three call it home.

In 2012, this small family was given four hens and one cockerel. Grace, not too long ago, said, “The chicken project has brought some healing to us. We were hurting after the loss of my son and the challenges that came with not having someone who is gainfully employed to support us. My grandchildren enjoy feeding the chickens and I have seen their excitement grow as the flock continues to grow.

We have given back the four chickens and one rooster so that another family can start their own project. What a feeling to be able to help others!!

We have slaughtered eight chickens so far and my grand children enjoy the meat. We are using the manure in our fields, too.  My grandchildren say the eggs are tasty and they enjoy them most when we mix them with vegetables from our garden.  Our flock has been growing well and at one point we had twenty-one mature chickens. We even sold some eggs to our neighbors because we had plenty.”

Grace's story fills me with wonder - how a small gift can change lives so powerfully.  4 hens and a rooster are responsible for food, manure, funds, excitement in the children, and dignity in having the ability to help others.  Wow.  

YOU are part of this beauty. You may not know Grace and the children, but rest knowing that your gift has changed their lives and the life of the family they helped.  

THANK YOU.

If you'd like to find out more about our work, please feel free to email me at tweaver@AFCAids.org.  I am happy to share!