Send an Orphan to School Kit ($100)

Losing both parents to a deadly disease like AIDS is difficult enough for Zimbabwe's children. But, after that unimaginable tragedy, the lives of orphans often continues to worsen: they are shuffled between relatives or sometimes cast out on their own. And very few of them are able to continue their schooling in hopes of a better life.

Why Help Is Needed

In Zimbabwe, at least 22 percent of children have lost one or both parents, mostly to AIDS. With the loss of parents often comes the loss of education: relatives are unable - or unwilling - to pay school tuition and other costs. So schooling for these orphans comes to an abrupt end, as well as prospects for a more prosperous life.

Mercy Corps In Action

Mercy Corps helps refurbish and equip schools in Zimbabwe that offer a free education to AIDS orphans. The gift of an education gives these children a chance to study and learn among their peers, and gives them the opportunity to begin building a better life for themselves.

Edmore's Story

Photo: Cassandra Nelson/Mercy Corps

Edmore is one of Zimbabwe’s 700,000 “double orphans.”

When he was 10 years old, Edmore lost his mother to AIDS. His father succumbed to the disease the very same year. So Edmore lives with a neighbor, doing chores on their farm in exchange for room and board.

Everything in life seems to have been a struggle for Edmore. But today he attends school for free, courtesy of Mercy Corps. We’re also paying for his uniform and school supplies.

In Zimbabwe, we’re working with community members — farmers, teachers, parents — to form Child Protection Committees to feed, clothe and advocate for the basic rights of kids like Edmore. Neighborhood support centers offer counseling, homework tutoring and other services.

And we’re refurbishing schools that agree to educate AIDS orphans for free — so the loss of two parents doesn’t mean lost opportunities for Edmore.

Send an Orphan to School Kit ($100)
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Purchase of a Mercy Kit is a symbolic gift that supports Mercy Corps' worldwide programs to help children and families in need. The Breastfeeding Kit, Climate Change Kit, Fuel-Efficient Stove Kit, Cricket Farm Kit, Send an Orphan to School Kit, Plant a Tree Kit, Play to Heal Kit and Uganda Farm Kit supports those specific project funds. Proceeds from the sale of other Mercy Kits will be used where most needed.