Malusi was just three years old when his whole life changed for the better. He was born HIV positive with a heart complaint and a serious eye squint in the sprawling township of Khayelitsha which is home to over half a million people. He lost both his parents to AIDS, ending up in a orphanage where he received little time, attention or love. However, HOPEHIV's partner, Umtha Welanga (meaning Rise and Shine) came to his aid. They identified and trained Nompumelo as his foster mum. Just six months on, he is a transformed and smiling little boy with a safe and loving home for the future with proper medical care.
Umtha Welanga supports over 100 families affected by HIV/AIDS and ensures that over 300 orphans are placed in secure, stable and nurturing homes, preferably within their extended family or their own community. Emotional support is a major component of the program as well as practical support and advice on nutrition, medical referrals and training on HIV care. Income generation support enables the families to improve their financial situation with activities like doll-making, selling beaded AIDS badges and fabric painting. Umtha's foster parents have also been trained through HOPEHIV to use play, art and drama techniques to help communicate better with the grieving children in their care.
HOPEHIV want to continue to support Umtha's life changing work but we need your help. Just £60 will pay for the identification and training of a new foster parent for another child like Malusi. Click DONATE NOW to help.