School Fees for AIDS Orphans

Sophie was enrolled in our program in 2006 after being diagnosed HIV+.  There have been ups and downs along the way, but now there are more good days than bad ones.  Our partner started the process by making scheduled visits to check in and provide counseling, not just for Sophie but the whole family.  Sophie and her parents were finally able to accept her HIV+ diagnosis and move forward together.  Sophie was a member of the kid’s club support group and the junior support group.  It wasn’t easy for her to join these groups at first because of her HIV diagnosis, but she was welcomed with open arms and started to thrive.

Sophie is now a member of the senior support group.  She is responding well to the drugs, and her current viral load is undetectable.  Sophie feels healthy, which helps her do well in school.  She is the one who is now encouraging other youth to move on and achieve their dreams.  Sophie takes her education seriously and hopes to become a doctor so she can help other families for many years to come.  After completing her last exams, she was ranked 5 out of 42 and is well on her way to achieving her dreams!  Sophie is grateful for your support of our education program.  Please know that your generosity has played a huge part in helping Sophie and many others in our program.  We are changing lives one child at a time.  Sophie feels your love, and so do we at the American Foundation for Children with AIDS.

If you have questions or are interested in learning more about this program or others, please contact Tanya Weaver at tweaver@afcaids.org

It's always exciting for us to receive updates on the children in our program.  Even better if they send us photographs!   Meet Dina who was enrolled in our program back in 2010.  She was ill for some time before she was taken to the hospital.  Dina was then tested and diagnosed HIV+.  Being born in a family of seven children, and the only one with the virus, made it very difficult for Dina.  There were follow ups and psychosocial support for the family to help them accept her diagnosis.  

Dina later joined support groups where she learned so many new things and made new friends.  She shared her diagnosis and found many of her new friends were also HIV+.  This motivated Dina and she took on a whole new outlook on life!  Many years have now passed and her current viral load is undetectable. She lives with her both parents who are extremely supportive.  He mother stays at home to care for their home and the children, and her father works to ensure her basic needs are met. 

Through the educational support AFCA has provided, Dina is now in college for Early Child Development.  She scored well during the last term, and is working at St. Mary's Academy where she can practice her skills.  Dina is quite motivated!  This hands on training is extremely valuable and Dina considers it a great blessing.  Dina is grateful for your support as she continues with her studies to achieve her dreams.

If you have questions or are interested in learning more about this program or others, please contact Tanya Weaver at tweaver@afcaids.org