Let's keep girls in school

Maura was born in 2012 and she lost both of her parents to HIV/AIDS at a very young age. Growing up without parental care exposed her to many hardships and uncertainties early in life. Despite her difficult past, Maura is a polite, gentle, and sweet young girl who finds joy in simple things. She is naturally quiet and introverted, yet she carries a warm smile that brightens our home and touches everyone around her.

Through sponsorship support, Maura is now able to continue her education while also receiving proper nutrition, healthcare, school
supplies, and the loving care she needs to grow confidently into her future.  Maura dreams of becoming a doctor one day. She hopes to help treat sick people and give hope back to the community, especially to families facing struggles similar to those she experienced growing up.

Maura's story reminds us why keeping girls in school is so important. When a girl receives education, she gains confidence, dignity, and the ability to uplift others around her. We truly believe that when you educate a girl, you educate an entire community, leading to hope, transformation, and prosperity for future generations.  We are deeply grateful to all sponsors and friends who continue walking this journey with us. Your support is changing lives and giving children like Maura the opportunity to dream again.

Thank you for standing with us and for helping us keep girls in school.  The team here at the American Foundation for Children with AIDS thanks you for supporting this project and the work we do for the children in Africa.  If you would like to learn even more about what we do or how you can meet some of the children you have helped, please contact Tanya Weaver at tweaver@AFCAids.org. 

I am sharing this story in line with one of our young girls here called Josie.  Josie is one of the many girls in our program whose life is being transformed through the power of education, but her journey with us began long before she ever stepped into a classroom.

We took Josie into our care when she was just two weeks old. From those earliest days, she has grown surrounded by love, protection, and the belief that her life has purpose.  As an orphan girl, her path could have been marked by loss and limitation. Instead, it is being shaped by opportunity and hope now.  We believe that education is one of the strongest weapons in the fight against poverty and for this, it is an equalizer, and Josie’s life is living proof of that belief. Because of consistent care and faithful donor support, Josie is able to attend school comfortably—learning, growing in confidence, and dreaming about the future with excitement.

School provides Josie with more than academic knowledge. It offers stability, safety, and a foundation for independence. It protects her from the risks that force many vulnerable girls out of school and opens doors to a future filled with possibility.  Josie's story reflects the heart of our orphanage program. She is one of many children whose lives are being nurtured from their earliest moments through to education and beyond. Each child we support represents a long-term commitment—not just to survival, but to thriving.

We are deeply grateful for the bright future ahead of Josie and girls like her. Thank you for standing with us and for helping children like Josie stay in school, grow with dignity, and step confidently into a hopeful future.  The team here at the American Foundation for Children with AIDS thanks you for supporting this project and the work we do for the children in Africa.  If you would like to learn even more about what we do or how you can meet some of the children you have helped, please contact Tanya Weaver at tweaver@AFCAids.org.