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The Hope Initiative is a 10-year, $100 million
campaign to help care for a generation of children in Africa. In Year 1 (2003), World Vision's goal was to provide comprehensive assistance for 18,000 orphans and vulnerable children living in
Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia.
In Africa today, more than 12 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. It is estimated
that by 2010, the number of orphans will nearly quadruple to 40 million. Extended family members are left to care for many orphans. This overwhelming financial burden makes the task of
caring for and educating the orphans almost impossible. Often, entire families of children are trying to
make it all alone. They struggle to grow their own food, and often, instead of going to school, work long hours at backbreaking jobs for pennies. Most of these children are not infected with the
HIV/AIDS virus; however, they are malnourished or sick, and vulnerable to exploitation. Every day is a struggle for survival.
The Hope Initiative has an integrated approach to
help:
- Help provide nutritious food, medical care, and shelter
- Ensure access to education and vocational training
- Provide Christian counseling and life-skills training
- Train and equip Christian caregivers to look after children
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