Millions of Orphans Due to AIDS: The Worst is Yet to Come
As the AIDS epidemic ravages sub-Saharan Africa, millions of lives and families are being destroyed, Over 17 million children have already been orphaned, and many millions more are living in families affected by HIV & AIDS. UNICEF estimates that by 2010, over 20 million children will be left without one or both parents.
Children Left Uncared For
These orphaned children would normally have been cared for by their extended family. But as AIDS decimates family structures, so it is destroys this traditional safety net.
Many orphans in Africa are now growing up without the adequate care, love, nurturing and protection of adults, and as a result, are more likely to be impoverished, malnourished, out of school, and ultimately marginalized. Disconnected from parental and family support, these children become increasingly vulnerable to violence, abuse and exploitation, and ultimately HIV & AIDS.
Rotary and the ANCHOR Partnership
The ANCHOR partnership brings together 4 unique entities; Rotarians for Fighting AIDS (RFFA), HOPE worldwide, Coca-Cola Africa Foundation and the Emory Schools of Public Health and Nursing. ANCHOR is equipping local communities to respond to the growing orphan crisis, by assisting them to develop support strategies for these children. One of these strategies is the development of Kidz Clubs.
What are Kidz Clubs?
Kidz Clubs are meeting places within communities that provide children with a safe space to meet, play, and interact. Children also learn coping skills and build resilience. Counseling is provided to children that are dealing with grief and other challenges due to HIV/AIDS.
On average, 30 children attend a club meeting on a weekly basis. These are held in a variety of locations such as schools, clinics, community centers, and faith-based organizations. Whilst orphans and children affected by HIV and AIDS are the primary beneficiaries, these clubs are open to any needy child in communities.
Importantly, Kidz Clubs act as a vehicle to identify and address the holistic needs of children, as well as extend support to their caregivers. Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in and support the clubs. This community link assists children and caregivers in accessing services and support.
ANCHOR's Impact
ANCHOR has successfully assisted communities in developing over 200 Kidz Clubs across 6 countries in Africa, reaching and caring for thousands of needy orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS. Rotary Clubs are supporting children in these clubs by 
providing much-needed material, nutritional and educational support.
How can your Rotary Club or District help?
Many more children need our help. This effective strategy of supporting 30 children through a Kidz Club costs no more than US$3,000 per year to run. Funds go towards purchasing supplies, providing meals and assisting volunteers with transport costs.
With your generous support ANCHOR will be able to bring support and hope to the lives of many more children that have been devastated by the AIDS epidemic.
Send us an inquiry by filling out our contact form at http://www.rffa.org/contactus.php
