Project manager, Andras Namenyi, posing here with some of the AIDS orphans who are benefiting from Matamaini programs. AIDS awareness seminar for rural high school aged students. Delivering food to enhance children’s nutritional needs at local AIDS orphanages. A local asphalt company donated their materials and labor to make this dream come true for the orphans--their own basketball court!

Matamaini means "Hope" for AIDS Orphans in South Africa
Matumaini, Durban, South Africa

FCF project partner, Matumaini (“Hope”) in Durban, South Africa, has been supporting the AIDS orphanage sector of society for a number of years.

In South Africa, 50% of all new HIV/AIDS infections are amongst teenagers. In rural areas, it is not surprising to hear of girls only 7 or 8 years old having already been involved in sexual relationships with 14-15 year old boys in exchange for a can of Coke or a hamburger! Among other programs, Matumaini hosts AIDS awareness seminars with primary and high-school aged students in rural areas, educating them on the dangers of this deadly virus -- firstly how to avoid it, and most importantly, how to prevent it at any cost.

Matumaini also has programs in local AIDS orphanages, including enhancing the children’s nutritional needs by delivering food on a regular basis (fruit, vegetables, meat, and bread). In many cases, school fees, uniforms, and shoes are also supplied for many of the orphans, enabling them to attend school. Also in the educational arena, Matumaini seeks to bridge the digital divide by donating and installing computers and computer software in several of the orphanages they work with.

A recent initiative was to build a fully equipped basketball court at the Kulani Kahle (“Grow Well”) Children’s Home. A local company donated the asphalt and equipment for the foundation of the court, and the children watched on in amazement as their dream became a reality before their very eyes. To highlight the fact that this was their very own basketball court, each orphan received a personalized basketball with his or her name printed on it. Now they can practice anytime they like, and remember with each hoop they shoot that they are not alone in their struggle for life, but that there are those out there who say, “I care!”

For more information on this FCF project, please click on the following link: Matumaini