EDUCATING OUR BOYS

First and foremost, our focus is on our 12 boys. We want to ensure that they receive the high-school education they deserve, and believe these boys represent the future of this impoverished country. Further down the line, we hope to send the most academically-inclined students to college.

As of September 2008, we are proud to have our 6 highest-achieving boys attending the private Wukani Educational Facility in Mzuzu—David and Raphael have joined Humphrey, Hamilton, Eston and Happy, who started in 2007.

**NEW!** HENRY'S HOUSE

Created in 2006, this program provides daily meals for preschoolers. More information coming soon.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Designed to provide healthy meals for children from the 6 surrounding villages, the daily lunch at the orphanage lasts about 2 hours including activities conducted in English and the local language. Participants were found by WAO staff members who approached village chiefs to determine the neediest children. Lunch starts at noon after the government school lets out for the day. The program also provides work for local women, who are hired to make the meals. Attendance is around 60-70 each day.

FUTURE HOPE

Future Hope is a microloan program that enables women to earn an income and learn to become self-sufficient. Women who are single, abused, or in detrimental polygamous relationships are encouraged to present a business plan to WAO. Businesses started include nursery schools, bakeries, clothing shops, and restaurants.

SENIOR CONNECTIONS

Held once a week, this program forms connections between elders and our 12 orphans while providing a healthy meal. Participants were identified by staff members who approached the chiefs of the 6 surrounding villages determine the neediest elders. In addition to lunch, WAO teaches healthy lifestyles through varied activities. Average attendance is 20 seniors each week.

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Introduced January 2007 after the resounding success of the World AIDS Day fundraiser, this brand-new scholarship fund provides assistance to students who can no longer afford school fees. Each of our current participants were forced to drop out of school because of lack of funds, and have been given a second chance. With 12 students already back in school and 14 students starting next term, the program is growing rapidly. Funds were sufficient to hire a project manager tasked with monitoring student progress and forming study groups.

Learn more about our current scholarship students.