Dear Supporter of Bread and Water for Africa^®,

September 5 is the United Nations’ International Day of Charity which was declared by the UN General Assembly in 2012 to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa who devoted her life to helping the destitute.

For more than 45 years, she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s expansion, first in India and then in other countries around the world, including hospices and homes for the poorest and homeless.

For more than 20 years, Bread and Water for Africa^® has strived to live up to the ideals of Mother Teresa by providing loving homes for thousands of orphaned, abandoned and destitute African children in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

And on this year’s International Charity Day on Saturday, we dedicate this day to our supporters across the country who live by the words of Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed”.                                         

literally saving lives of countless children who no doubt would’ve lived short lives struggling on the streets of urban cities and rural villages with no one to care for and love them.

In Kenya, our international spokesperson, Phyllis Keino, provides a loving home for dozens of children at the Lewa Children’s Home where they receive three meals a day, a warm bed to sleep in each night, healthcare and hope for a brighter future through education, as does our longtime partner in Zimbabwe, Margaret Makambira, founder and director of Shinga Development Trust which operates the Lerato Children’s Village, constructed and supported thanks to our supporters.

In Zambia, another of our longtime partners, Angela Miranda, founder and director of the Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre, has cared for 1,424 children both Zambian and non-Zambian refugees fleeing violence in other surrounding countries since our partnership begin in 1998 and through 2019.

In addition, again thanks to our supporters, Angela has been able to provide aid to 517 children living in foster care and food support to 216 more during that period.

And through Kabwata, 98 children and youth who lived there were able to enroll in higher education, and of those, 60 secured professional jobs, something practically unthinkable when they arrived there as impoverished infants, toddlers, youth children and youth with no home, no family and not knowing where they next meal would come from or where they would be sleeping that night.

Mrs. Miyanda is very proud of her work and the children she has raised, many of whom are now successful professionals including engineers, teachers, nurses, health inspectors, members of the Zambian Air Force and Navy, police officers, administrative professionals, social workers, marketing professionals, bankers and bakers.

Currently, the home houses 53 children, ranging in age from 2 months to 16 years. In addition, 13 children over 16 live in supervised homes and 33 children live with extended family members or in foster care arrangements throughout the community and receive regular support from Kabwata.

Kabwata children are a great example of how orphaned, abandoned and destitute children can become successful citizens when opportunities are available, and support is provided.

“Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies,” notes the UN. “Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and protection of cultural and natural heritage.”

Thank you for all you do on behalf of the children of Africa,

Sincerely,

Bethlehem Tessema

Executive Director

Bread and Water for Africa