Dear Barry ,

Helping Zimbabwe's most vulnerable children

Zimbabwe is often described as a "failed state" and the statistics certainly support this. One in five adults is HIV positive and, with 3,000 AIDS related deaths a week, the country suffers the world's lowest life expectancy, just 37 years. This disaster has left around 1.2 million children orphaned and vulnerable to hunger, homelessness and abuse. In villages like Rusike in the Goromonzi district, Mercy Corps is helping to alleviate the suffering of these vulnerable children by working with local people to form Child Protection Committees. These committees, made up from a mix of farmers, teachers and parents, are trained on child rights, counselling and financial management. They identify particularly vulnerable children and use investment from Mercy Corps alongside donations from local communities to help ensure these orphans are safe and have access to adequate food, water, education, sanitation and shelter. The Rusike Child Protection Committee recently organised a distribution of blankets, warm clothing and food to around 500 local orphans.

Photo:Seven year old Patrick /R Maroni Mercy Corps

Seven year old Patrick lost both his parents to AIDS and was found sleeping rough with only a disused grain sack to keep him warm at night. "It gets very cold at night at winter" said Patrick." The Committee gave me this blanket and jumper to keep warm." The Child Protection Committee project is saving lives and improving the quality of life for thousands of vulnerable orphans like Patrick. Please donate now to help us support children and families struggling against the odds in places like Zimbabwe. Whatever you can send now will be hugely appreciated.

Please donate now to help us support children and families struggling against the odds in places like Zimbabwe. Whatever you can send now will be hugely appreciated.

Thank you.