This is the first project that we have partnered with in which we collaborate with an existing organization to build a facility that will provide a place where an entire town can come together to seek knowledge, manage the disease of HIV/AIDS, mobilize care, feed those unable to get food, protect vulnerable children and their rights, and empower an entire town. Isipho, meaning “Gift” in Xhosa, is the name of the community project that was established in 2002 by a support group of HIV/AIDS infected and affected people in the rural community of Paterson South Africa. Two of the original four from the support group have since passed away, but through sheer determination and love, the remaining two, with the help of other caring people, have created a safe house and support network for people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and vulnerable children.
Currently Isipho operates out of four one room, temporary buildings that house 8 orphans, two class rooms, a tiny kitchen for meal preparation and an office. There is one bathroom that the orphans, volunteers, and on average 60 children a day all share. The children play amongst construction equipment used by the local municipality and in a vacant lot adjoining the buildings. The current orphanage is unable to accommodate the many more children who need assistance and care within the community. With every passing day another child is as risk of losing their battle with poverty and AIDS.
On average, the volunteers and few paid caregivers of Isipho care for, feed, house and educate, over 60 children and adults a day. They are constantly struggling to provide the resources and care needed for this project, and they are about to lose the few buildings they currently use due to municipal requirements. They are an amazing group of local residents, community leaders, and local business owners doing extraordinary things with so few resources. See more photos of the amazing people of Isipho here…
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