At Bread and Water for Africa®, nothing fills our hearts with joy more than seeing the smiling faces of orphaned, abandoned and other vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa who have found loving homes where, thanks to our supporters, they are sheltered and fed, provided with the opportunity for an education, healthcare, and all other basic needs – especially during the holiday season.
Many of these children and youth have been neglected and even abused by members of their own families and have experienced unspeakable horrors before being brought by government authorities to the orphanages and children’s homes supported by Bread and Water for Africa®.
Shinga Development Trust – Mutare, Zimbabwe
Sadly, such is the case at Shinga’s Lerato Children’s Home, where founder and director Margaret Makambira reported earlier this year taking in several teenage girls who were brought there after being beaten and assaulted by their fathers, stepfathers and other family members.
“One 14-year-old girl who had been deprived of going to school by her father because he believed that the girl was useless,” Margaret told us.
And as for this girl herself, “Attending school is a dream come true.”
Another taken into Margaret’s loving arms this year is an orphaned teenage boy named Akashinga (which means ‘brave’ in the Shona language), “whose life was marked by trauma from a young age,” said Margaret.
“At just 14, he had already fallen into the grips of drug addiction, using it as a coping mechanism to escape the challenges he faced,” she said. “After losing both parents, he experienced physical, emotional and psychological abuse and substance misuse from his uncle.”
“I started taking drugs as a way to put myself to sleep before my uncle returned home since he would bring different women to sleep with in my presence,” recounted Akashinga, now 18.
And, although a bright student, Margaret told us that as his drug use escalated, his academic performance understandably dropped.
Eventually, concerned neighbors reported the issue to authorities, leading to his placement at Lerato, where for days and weeks afterwards he struggled with withdrawal, acknowledging “Vinyu [a highly toxic locally manufactured alcoholic drink] is my friend, and it doesn’t let me sleep or leave me, when I come out of this home, I know it will entertain me.”
But Akashinga is among the lucky ones.
“Many of Akashinga’s peers who had also fallen into drug abuse faced even grimmer fates,” reported Margaret.
“Some of my friends that I used to take drugs with are now dead, and others have become mentally challenged,” he shared.
And recognizing Akashinga’s potential, the Lerato Children’s Home, with the support of Bread and Water for Africa®, facilitated his enrollment in a hospitality and tourism diploma program.
“Thank you, Lerato Children’s Home and Bread and Water for Africa®, for changing my life,” he expressed. “If I was not put in the home, I was going to be dead or roaming the streets with drugs.”
Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre – Lusaka, Zambia
Little Michael’s journey began at Kabwata, where he found not just shelter and care, but a true sense of family.
“Born hearing impaired and mute, Michael faced significant challenges from the start,” reported Kabwata founder and director Angela Miyanda. “Yet, his innate strength and remarkable adaptability shone through, captivating the hearts of his caregivers and educators.”
At just 3 years old, Michael was enrolled in a special needs school for children with disabilities.
“The supportive and nurturing environment at Kabwata, combined with the dedicated education he received, has allowed his intelligence and resilience to flourish,” says Angela. “This transformation in Michael’s life is a testament to the power of care and specialized support.”
Angela explained that initially, she did not envision catering to children with disabilities.
“However, witnessing the harsh realities faced by vulnerable children in Zambia compelled us to widen our outreach,” she said.
“Thanks to the tireless and continuous generosity of the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®, we now have initiatives that enable us to respond to the needs of children like Michael.
“Your contributions have made a profound impact,” she added. “Together, we can ensure that every child, regardless of their challenges, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”
Watoto Wa Africa (Children of Africa) Orphanage – Mwanza, Tanzania
Margaret, 18, has faced numerous challenges throughout her life, having lost both parents at a young age and struggling through her early years before arriving at the Watato Wa Africa orphanage.
“Despite these difficulties, she has shown remarkable resilience and determination,” reported program manager Josephat Kirutu earlier this year. “The support you provided played a crucial role in her continued development and success.”
With consistent access to nutritious meals throughout August, Margaret’s health improved significantly, he told us.
“This allowed her to focus better on her studies and engage more fully in her academic and extracurricular activities. The stable food supply has been vital in keeping her energized and motivated.”
Today, Margaret is preparing to transition from the orphanage to higher education with Josephat commenting that “the support provided ensured that she had the necessary resources to complete her final exams successfully and prepare for further studies.
“Her improved health and stability were instrumental in helping her achieve this milestone.”
The emotional and psychological support from the staff, coupled with the stable living conditions and reliable access to essential needs, has bolstered Margaret’s confidence.
“She has become a role model for younger children at the orphanage, showing them the possibilities that come with perseverance and support.
“Margaret’s story is a testament to the positive impact of the funding,” he said. “It highlights how crucial ongoing support is for providing stability, improving health, and fostering academic and personal growth among the children.
“Margaret’s success is a reflection of the broader positive outcomes achieved through the continued generosity and support.”
And as for Margaret herself, “arriving at the Watoto Wa Africa orphanage was a turning point for me.
“The continued support from Watoto Wa Africa has made such a difference in my life. Thanks to the food and care I received, I was able to focus on my studies and prepare for the future with confidence.
“I am excited about the opportunities ahead and grateful for the support that has helped me get this far. It’s more than just food and shelter; it’s the belief in my potential that means the most.”
