At Bread and Water for Africa®, our mission centers on the comprehensive care and support of the most at-risk children, including those who have lost their parents, been abandoned, neglected, or abused. This commitment is not only integral to our organizational ethos but also the primary motivator behind our continued efforts over nearly four decades, which have been driven by the unwavering support of our dedicated donors and supporters. We employ targeted strategies to address the multifaceted needs of these vulnerable children, aiming for effective, sustainable outcomes that foster resilience and hope.

Without the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®, only God knows what future would befall hundreds of orphaned, abandoned, and abused vulnerable children and youth living their best lives at the Watoto Wa Africa Orphanage (Children of Africa - WWAO) in Tanzania and the Lerato Children’s Home in Zimbabwe.

That’s because it is they who make it possible for us to provide grant funding to ensure that WWAO director Josephat Kirutu and Lerato founder and director Margaret Makambira are able to feed, shelter, and clothe those in their care, as well as enable them to receive the healthcare they need when they need it and the opportunity for an education.

At the WWAO, Josephat reported in February that the support from Bread and Water for Africa® “covered essential needs required for the children’s survival, protection, development and wellbeing.”

“Beyond food support, funds were also used to meet other essential operational expenses, including clothing, hygiene items, basic medical care, school-related needs, utilities, and general household supplies necessary for the smooth running of the orphanage.

“The support received during played a vital role in maintaining a safe, caring, and supportive environment for the children under our care.”

Josephat explained that the 118 children and youth calling the WWAO home have been assessed, vetted, and officially referred by the Social Welfare Department before being placed in the care of Josephat and his wife, Rosemary, WWAO co-founder.

“Selection criteria, therefore, include orphanhood (single or double orphan), abandonment, extreme poverty, neglect, disability, and referrals from authorized social welfare officers, local government authorities, or community leaders,” says Josephat.

“This process ensures that all beneficiaries are legally admitted and that support is directed to children who are genuinely in need.”

In addition to the direct benefits to the children, the grant funding from Bread and Water for Africa® also covers caregiver and helper salaries, which “has ensured consistent supervision, care, and emotional support for the children, creating a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.

“As a result, the children have been able to attend school regularly, participate in daily activities, and experience a sense of normalcy and security.

“Overall, the support has strengthened the orphanage’s capacity to meet the children’s basic needs while promoting their physical, emotional, and social development.”

Among them is 17-year-old Benson Anton, who “has thrived under the care of the Watoto Wa Africa Orphanage.

“He is very happy both at school and at home, showing dedication to his studies and participating actively in daily life at the orphanage.

“With the continued support of the orphanage and programs, Benson is building a bright future, inspired by his family and encouraged by the stability and care he receives here.”

As for Benson himself, he told us, "I feel safe, cared for, and encouraged every day by the helpers and teachers here.

“I work hard in school and hope to make a good future for myself, and I am very grateful for all the support I receive here."

And Rosemary adds, "Seeing our children happy, healthy, and growing in confidence is the greatest reward.

“The support for this program allows us to provide daily meals, care, and guidance, and to give each child a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential."

At Lerato, social worker Rumbidzai Chadamoyo reported in January that grant funding from Bread and Water for Africa® this past year “was used to aid the needs of orphans and vulnerable children through creation of a conducive home environment and the provision of essential services that restore social functioning and promote child welfare”.

She told us of three siblings, ages 3, 9, and 11 years old, who arrived there suffering from emotional and physical abuse by their mother after the family relocated to Zimbabwe from South Africa.

Upon arriving in their new country, the father realized that the money he had saved for the relocation was not enough, so he returned to South Africa to work, leaving the children and his wife in Chipinge with his relatives.

However, Rumbidzai told us that “the mother could not cope with the drastic change in environment, and she faced mental health issues (depression) to the extent that she was now abusing her children.

“She was excessively beating the children and was also constantly scolding them.”

The mother subsequently “ran away with the children” in the middle of the night while the relatives they were staying with were asleep, and relied on “transport from well-wishers and at times they walked since they did not have enough money for transportation.

They ended up homeless in the city of Mutare’s Aloe Gardens Park in harsh weather conditions for about three days before “well-wishers” took them to the Mutare police, and the case was referred to the Department of Social Development, from where they were placed at Lerato.

Rumbidzai told us the 13-year-old girl “expressed gratitude for the support received, noting that the provision of safe accommodation brought relief and stability after experiencing homelessness.”

In sum, Rumbidzai stated, “The Lerato Children’s Home extends our sincere gratitude to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® for your generous sponsorship and commitment to supporting the welfare and vulnerable children.

“Your contribution significantly enhanced the quality of the celebration and ensured its success.

"The children, staff, and management deeply appreciate your kindness and partnership."