Zambia has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world, with 16.5 percent of the population – over one million people – living with the disease. As a result, Zambia has witnessed a tremendous increase in the number of HIV-positive and AIDS-affected children. An estimated 630,000 children have lost their mother, father or both parents to the virus.
Many orphaned children are sent to live with relatives and family friends in cramped, overcrowded spaces. Even in homes, education is a distant dream. With high national poverty rates, caregivers cannot afford the fees, uniforms and books required to send children to school.
Living in such dire circumstances, orphans often turn to life on the streets, where they are subjected to constant violence. UNICEF estimates that in Lusaka alone there are 35,000 children living on the streets. A common belief holds that intercourse with a virgin will cure HIV/AIDS makes street girls especially vulnerable to HIV/AIDS – putting thousands of girls on the street in danger.
Through a partnership with New Horizons Orphanage, NetAid World Schoolhouse brought hope to vulnerable girls orphaned by AIDS by providing them shelter, food, education and professional skills training. Activities began in 2002, when 43 girls were helped by the program. In 2005, the partnership expanded the number of assisted students to 70.
Each student was equipped with uniforms and educational supplies, as well as support for both schooling and supplementary classes. Vulnerable girls also were given the opportunity to attend camps, educational tours and excursions that boosted their self esteem and gave them the chance to explore life away from the streets.
Students at New Horizons Orphanage are becoming leaders in their community, rallying Zambians around global development campaigns like the Day of the African Child and the Global Campaign for Education Action. In the future, New Horizons hopes, they will be the champions of Zambians from all backgrounds struggling to get an education.
