BUILDING DECENT SHELTER
for
AIDS ORPHANS and VULNERABLE CHILDREN
Lesotho is a landlocked southern African country completely encircled by South Africa’s borders. It has a total population of 1.9 million with the third highest HIV/AIDS infection rate in the world. Approximately 23% of the population between 15-49 years of age is infected with the disease. HIV/AIDS has had a devastating impact on individuals, families, communities and the country as a whole. It is estimated that 100,000 children between the ages of 0-17 have lost one or both parents to the disease. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is taking a heavy toll on the rural households. Shelter is a basic need. Many orphans, vulnerable children, and elderly grandmothers taking care of orphaned grandchildren, live in dilapidated and below standard dwellings. Homes are huts consisting of single rooms with thatched roofs and earthen walls. After two to three years these huts begin to deteriorate. In response, Golf Fore Africa is partnering with World Vision to provide simple, decent, safe shelter for these vulnerable children and families.
GOLF FORE AFRICA RESPONDS
A Family’s New Home in Matlameng
“While in Lesotho this December, we met the Makhotso family who is moving into the new home Golf Fore Africa along with World Vision and local villagers helped to fund and build. The chief of the village shared how these children (ages 9, 12 & 15) had lost both of their parents and had been living in a hut that was unsafe and falling apart.
The community members had stepped in to help provide food and support for the family. They were thrilled and appreciative to have Golf Fore Africa volunteers working with them to build a home for the Makhotos. Motjoka (the 9 year old) is a World Vision sponsored child and the home will be in her name. She was so happy to spend the day helping our volunteers build their house and plant their vegetable gardens. A safe secure home means the Makhotso children can sleep at night and be able to stay enrolled in school.
Over the next two years Golf Fore Africa has committed to building 45 homes for orphans and vulnerable families in the Mpharane and Matlameng areas of Lesotho. Six homes are currently under construction and close to completion. The block construction homes will have two rooms, secured doors and windows and a ventilated pit latrine. Many homes will have a roof water collection system. The families will also receive agricultural support through the purchase of farming/gardening tools and vegetable seed.
Golf Fore Africa is partnering with World Vision because this agency has experience in holistically transforming the well being of children and families. World Vision has a long standing presence in these communities and understands the culture and needs of the people.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Golf Fore Africa needs $330,000 to complete the construction of the 30 houses. You can help us bring HOPE by making a donation to this project or by hosting a Golf Fore Africa event at your club.
