Help

HIV/AIDS

An AIDS epidemic is sweeping through the poor of this area. Kwa-Zulu/Natal has the highest HIV infection rate in the world and the Valley of 1000 Hills is probably the epicentre of the world wide AIDS epidemic. Infection rate statistics are hard to come by due to the social stigma of AIDS causing a general attitude of denial. However it appears that the majority of people between 18-35 are HIV positive. According to admission statistics of local hospitals the HIV infection rate of the general population in this area may be well in excess of 40%. Most homes have either experienced deaths due to AIDS or house people who are dying of AIDS. Due to ambiguous government policies concerning HIV/AIDS these mostly poor and uneducated people are confused and misinformed about the cause and treatment of HIV/AIDS. As a result of this epidemic there are more and more AIDS orphans. Homes and outreach to these children is seen as a priority at this time. Hospices are urgently needed for the dying.

POVERTY

Historically the Valley of a thousand Hills area has been a neglected area and long term poverty has taken its toll. It is only recently that communal water, electricity and tarred roads are being provided by the Municipal authorities. Generally the community is still gripped by poverty resulting in high infant mortality, AIDS, unemployment and the break down of family life, which in turn has led to hopelessness especially amongst young people. Unemployment is at least 40%.

SUPERSTITION

There is much superstitions in these communities and many lies have been spread among the poor and relatively uneducated.  Some traditional healers and leaders have exacerbated the spread of HIV/ÁIDS by denying that it is linked to sexual behaviour and instead are teaching that AIDS is caused by genetically modified food. In some instances the community believe that AIDS can be cured by having sex with a young virgin. This has led to a massive increase of child rape, incest and child AIDS deaths. Due to the ambiguous stand taken by many community leaders the people are confused and fearful about AIDS and help is desperately needed.

There are many opportunities and areas for businesses, churches, schools and individuals to get involved and make a difference:

Food & Clothing

The biggest need we have is for a regular bulk supply of healthy non-perishable food for distribution to the needy. Why not set up a canned monthly food & clothing collection with your staff / church / school. Or they can make up food bags consisting of: 2.5kg Mealie meal, 2kg sugar beans, 1x jar peanut butter, 1kg sugar, 1x 250g bag milk powder, 1 bath soap, 1 bar green soap, 1kg samp, 20 tea bags, 375ml oil, 500g soya mince. This will feed a family of four for a week and cost +/-R180-00 ($17-00). We also need new or second hand clothing (good condition) and blankets.

Doctors, Nurses, Optometrists and Dentists

Many older people and AIDS victims do not have the strength nor taxi fare to get to the clinics\or hospitals. We need sponsorship for medical care, or volunteer doctors and nurses to go out to the poor.

Building Materials

New or second hand building materials and tools for repairing of homes that are not weather proof and for the building of houses/ rooms for some of the orphans etc.

Work & Training

Work opportunities and training for the unemployed - especially for women and young people. Volunteers who are prepared to share their skills and teach others. This can be done on weekends and the place can be arranged.

Transport

Sponsorship for a vehicle for transporting orphans to school, team during outreaches and for sick people needing to get to hospital and clinics.

Ministry Volunteers & One Day Outreaches 

Teams from churches or organizations to help with outreach programs in the community.

Intercession

Many of us underestimate the value of our most powerful resource and greatest weapon: prayer. Whether short or long; sophisticated or simple; a ministry or a devotional your prayers are highly prized and desired by this ministry. Please contact us should you wish to receive our monthly newsletter for more specific prayer needs.

Zulu Bibles

To provide Zulu Bibles and teaching materials.

General Sponsorship and Donations

This ministry relies solely on donations from individuals, companies and churches who have a heart for the poor. 

• Sponsoring a child: Direct sponsorship normally starts at R500-00 (approx. $50-00) a month. We will give you details, send you photos and updates etc.(upon request), link you in with local administrators and ensure that all funds are properly used.
• Sponsors for field workers:   Our local pastoral field workers are paid around R2500-00 a month, we desperately need sponsors for them as they are the back bone of this mercy ministry going from house to house to identify and care for those in need, especially those dying or orphaned by AIDS.

Donations

Donations can be made to the following account, preferably by direct electronic transfer. Funds donated come directly into Orphanaid account.

"Heart to Heart International"

First National Bank, Kloof, 

Branch code 221526, 

Account 62081856505.

SWIFT international clearance code:FIRNZAJJ

(This account is administered directly by Elias Ochele-Manager and Garry Hare - Trustee)

Donations can be made to the following account, preferably by direct electronic transfer. Funds donated come directly into Orphan Aid account and are used to fund our causes, purchase package items on our wishlist or simply feed the person under our care.

Account Name: Heart to Heart International
Bank: First National Bank
Branch: Kloof
Branch code: 221526
Account 62081856505.
SWIFT International clearance code: FIRNZAJJ

(This account is administered directly by Elias Ochele-Manager and Garry Hare - Trustee)