ABOUT US

New Hope Africa Children Ministries is situated in Busia district in Uganda. Busia is located in Eastern region of Uganda at the Border with the republic of Kenya. The trans- African highway, which extends from the ports on the East coast of Africa to the landlocked countries it serves, crosses directly through Uganda via Busia Border area where New Hope is based.

An HIV corridor was created along this highway as truck drivers camped from town to town and the infection rapidly spread to the rest of the country. Thus, prostitutes that had HIV/AIDS in combination with the truck drivers who took it from place to place helped spread it easily. As a result of increased awareness and an open policy initiated by the government in 1986, AIDS incidences have dramatically been reduced. However, with numerous deaths in the wake of AIDS and many individuals remaining infected, a grave situation exists for the country and its future: Large numbers of children are left to fend for themselves after their parents have died of AIDS.

At the moment, almost 10% of Uganda's population (1.84 million) is infected with HIV. Due to AIDS and other unfavorable conditions, one out of seven children born in Uganda do not live to their fifth birthday. One in eleven adults aged 15 to 49 have HIV or AIDS. This has driven the national life expectancy down to 42 years.

According to the UNAIDS fact sheet, the estimated cumulative number of AIDS orphans in Uganda is 1.7 millions and 20.000 of these are in Busia District where we are working. AIDS orphans are defined as children that have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Many children are already infected at birth and therefore die young.

Others, the target population of this project, are left without adult supervision. Most ultimately become delinquents and either contract AIDS or die from other causes such as difficulties associated with homelessness, street fights. They are lured into commercial sex (prostitution), trading their bodies and some end up contracting HIV/AIDS & STDs or getting unwanted pregnancies. The girl child is particularly vulnerable. The most fortunate children are adopted by family or a community and are able to receive some form of education at home. However, many communities are so acutely affected by the epidemic that the traditional safety net is overburdened. These children end up living with their grandparents, who also do not have an income or long life expectancy.

The ministry of New Hope was is establishes to provide food support, a home for orphans and other vulnerable children, care for the sick, educate the disadvantaged, meet the needs of children, provide training and access for employment opportunities for older children and mobilize volunteers to meet the physical and emotional needs of disadvantaged children and adults in Uganda.

" True religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27.)

Your support of US $20 per month or one time grant or donation will help us to provide food, clothing, basic medical care and school fees for these children. Please help a vulnerable child by making a monthly or one time pledge or donation. Any amount you can give will help. Every gift is needed; every gift is appreciated; every gift makes a difference! When you donate to New Hope, your much-appreciated contribution is utilized directly for the benefit of the children we serve.