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Before the AIDS pandemic struck, there were few orphans in Zambia. Every child belonged not only to the biological parents, but to their extended family and community as well. Westerners can still become easily confused because a Zambian child calls their aunts “Ahmai,” meaning mother, and their uncles “Tata,” meaning father. Any adult who is a friend of the family is “Auntie,” or “Uncle.” With this large “family” surrounding every child, if the biological parents died, there are many other “parents” already intimately involved with the child who simply and naturally filled in the void. Even now, when AIDS has left thousands of Zambian children without parents, an estimated 80% of households have assimilated family orphans.
There are two massive forces squeezing Zambian extended families to the breaking point – AIDS and poverty. These social challenges have been coupled with stigma, hunger in households, increased number of child/female/grandmother headed households. Many families are left without any form of housing or food security resulting in an increase in the numbers of malnourished children and a sharp increase in infant and child mortality.
Nevertheless, while the capacity of Zambian families is threatened, the heart is strong and capable. A group of village women – the poorest of the poor, were asked, “Who is responsible to care for the orphans in your village?” Without hesitation they answered with one voice: “We are. We who live are responsible.” The most vital response to the orphan crisis is found in the indefatigable hearts of men and women like these and our first line of intervention must be to support and strengthen families willing to care for their children.
We invite you to provide a safety net of prayer and provision for extended families. MORE STORIES >> |
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