When Angela Miyanda witnessed the devastation in her country of Zambia in the 1980s caused by the AIDS epidemic, she knew she could not just stand by as hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of the country’s children were suddenly orphaned, and infants born every day with the virus.

To help address the overwhelming need in her impoverished country, in 1988, she founded the Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre (now just the Kabwata Orphanage) in the capital city of Lusaka.

It was also the year that she received her first grant of $5,000 from Bread and Water for Africa® as seed money to support an orphanage and transit centre to house orphaned children until permanent homes could be found for them within the country.

It was noted at the time that most of the children were orphaned due to the tragic AIDS epidemic, and finding suitable homes with relatives or in foster care was extremely difficult, especially in those cases in which the children themselves were born with the virus.

In June 1988, Angela, a future Second Lady of Zambia, wrote in a letter to Gene Krizek, president of the board of directors of Christian Relief Services, which oversees Bread and Water for Africa®, of her visit to our headquarters near Alexandria, Virginia, and how grateful she was for the donation to her cause.

In the letter, she also noted that it was an honor for her to have been appointed as a member of the Bread and Water for Africa® advisory board, stating, “It is a great honor to me and the nation.”

And in 1999, the Bread and Water for Africa® executive director visited Kabwata and reported back to the board how extremely impressed she was with Angela, her volunteers and the program in general.

“There are almost 100 deaths per day in the capital from AIDS,” she reported. “This leaves many, many orphans, and although there are only about 50 children at the center, these children are indeed blessed to be in Mrs. Miyanda’s care.”

Fast forward to today, Bread and Water for Africa® remains a staunch supporter of the Kabwata Orphanage, providing grant funding that is  “directed toward sustaining the overall care and welfare of the Kabwata home and its associated programs,” stated Angela last December.

“The core mission – to provide shelter, nutrition, healthcare, and education – remains unchanged, reflecting the stable and ongoing nature of the initiative.”

Angela also reported on Lute, who was brought to Kabwata as a newborn just days old.

“Growing up under the care and guidance of the home, she found not only shelter but a foundation that allowed her to thrive and reach her potential.

“Over the years, Lute thrived, and today she stands as a testament to the transformative power of care and opportunity.”

Today in Zambia, more than 10 percent of adults in the country have HIV, according to the World Bank, and with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World AIDS Day coming up on December 1 it’s important to bring “together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic,” states WHO.

“The day is an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care around the world,” states WHO. “It has become one of the most widely recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have died, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.”

Elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, Bread and Water for Africa® supports orphan care programs in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, which all share the mission of providing loving homes for orphaned, abandoned, and destitute children.

The voices of gratitude from the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® this Thanksgiving holiday:

“We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters and partners. Your generosity and commitment have made a significant impact on our ability to provide care and education to the children at the Watoto Wa Africa Orphanage. Your support not only changes lives but also inspires hope and growth among the children and the broader community.” – Josephat Kirutu, program manager, Watoto Wa Africa Orphanage, Mwanza, Tanzania.

“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support we’ve received. The positive changes we’ve seen in the lives of the children are a direct result of your generosity and commitment. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.” — Josephat Kirutu, program manager, Watoto Wa Africa Orphanage, Mwanza, Tanzania.

It doesn’t always start the way you wish, but I believe I can have a future. I want to become a pilot and see the world. Thanks to Bread and Water for Africa®, I’m still in school and working toward that dream.” – Taonga, 14, Kabwata Orphanage, Lusaka, Zambia

“We greatly appreciate the funding provided through this grant, which has enabled us to maintain our operations, which become more crucial by the day.” – Angela Miyanda, founder and director, Kabwata Orphanage, Lusaka, Zambia

“Sincere gratitude to Bread and Water for Africa® for your love and generosity. You make things happen in Africa. You fulfill dreams that were dreamed many years ago. You give the children a sense of belonging. You heal broken hearts. You mend old wounds. You bring hope to the hopeless.” – Bishop Margaret Makambira, Founder and Executive Director, Shinga Development Trust, Mutare, Zimbabwe

“I am grateful to Bread and Water for Africa® for providing a balanced diet for me as I am no longer taking my medication on an empty stomach.” – Natasha, 16, who takes ART (antiretroviral therapy) medications used to treat and manage her HIV infection, Lerato Children’s Home, Mutare, Zimbabwe.