Agape orphanage
Agape orphanage is located in a rural part of KwaZulu-Natal, in the east of South Africa. This center takes care of about 30 children whose parents have died of HIV/AIDS, or are unable to care for them due to the effects of the disease.
The children
The children of Agape have almost without an exception been orphaned by AIDS. Even though they all tell a different and often horrible story, they have one thing in common: they are very lucky to have been taken into this orphanage, where they are given shelter, food, education and love. The children range in age from one to seventeen; almost all of them go to school.
The orphanage was founded in 2001 by Zodwa Mqadi, funded by charities and the church. Three volunteers live with the children full-time to take care of them.
Fire
Early January 2005 a fire devastated a large part of Agape. The baby-bedroom, two girls bedrooms and the kitchen were completely burnt and the whole building was deemed inhabitable. Pictures of the effect of the fire can be found at the bottom of this page.
How does Uthando help?
Uthando helps Agape in many ways. First of all by keeping in touch with the children, writing letters and in person during working visits. This way, Uthando keeps informed about what's on the children's minds.
When small things are needed at the orphanage, Uthando provides them. This varies from plasters to underwear, food to medicines and from clothes to sanitary supplies.
Between December 16 and 27, 2005 ten children of Agape came to Holland to raise awareness and funds for rebuilding their home. More about this action can be found here.
Rebuilding
The main way in which Uthando helps Agape is by raising funds for rebuilding the orphanage. Shortly after the fire it was decided to realize the plans that had been around for some time straight away, to once again provide the children with a roof over their heads. These plans aim to rebuild the center as an orphanage and community center, offering prevention courses, educational services, counselling and medical services to the surrounding area.
The drawings have been made and the initial cost is budgetted. The complete main building, including kitchen and bathrooms, can be built for approx. $ 75.000,-. In addition to that, money is needed for furnishing and decorating the building and for management salaries.
Interested?
Are you especially interested in this project and would you like to know more? Please contact Uthando through our contact page. If you have any ideas on how to finance this project or think you can contribute in another way, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Pictures
Click here for pictures of the fire at Agape.
