Community based subsidized placement program of HIV/AIDS orphans in families in their community, rather than placement in orphanages some distance away from their homes.

Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS pandemic has left millions of African children without parents and homeless. The Imani Project has developed and implemented a Subsidized Orphan Placement Program in the rural villages on the Indian Ocean in Kenya.

There are at least 100 orphans in the Sabaki/Masheheni area. This summer, Imani Project volunteers registered 100 orphans using the Orphan Registration Form which includes social and medical history for each child. Please find below pictures and brief biographies on the priority orphans. These children have the greatest need for an immediate sponsor.

If you would like to sponsor an orphan ($30/month), you will receive pictures and updates from the orphan. Imani Project volunteers will visit these homes on a consistent basis, and oversee the use of the donations each month. Additionally the donations are tax deductible, and each donor will receive verification of tax deductible status and ID# for the Imani Project.

Orphans currently in urgent need of sponsorship:

Cecilia Mganda is 14 years old and is in Class 6 at Kibokoni Primary School. Cillias and two siblings live with their older brother George in Kibokoni Village. They lost their father to HIV/AIDS in 1991 Mothers whereabouts unknown.

Learn more about sponsoring Cecilia Mganda.

Linet Gona is 13 years old and in class 6 at Masheheni Primary. Her father died of AIDS related illness in 2000. Linet lives with her grandmother and her mother. Birthmother is quite ill and has epilepsy and is unable to work. Very poor family. Linet is a very bright student.

Learn more about sponsoring Linet Gona.

Furaha Charo is aged 12 and in Class 3 at Masheheni Primary. His birthfather died of AIDS related illness in 2008, and Furaha lives with his birthmother and 4 siblings. An uncle helps to support the family, but they are in need of a sponsor.

Learn more about sponsoring Furaha Charo.

Bahari Nyae is 7 years old and in Class 1 at Marikebuni Primary. His mother is deceased (possible AIDS related illness) and his birthfather's whereabouts are unknown. Bahari lives with his grandmother. Grandmother produces some food from a small shamba, but the family is very poor.

Learn more about sponsoring Bahari Nyae.

Amani Charo Amani is 2½ years old and lives in Masheheni village. Birthfather died in 2009 (possible AIDS-related illness). Amini lives with his father 's two wives and 6 other children. The family has very little income, and grow their own food in a small shamba.

Learn more about sponsoring Amani Charo.

Benson Kambu is 8 years old and is in standard 1. He lives in Mnazimoja village with his father and 6 siblings. His birthmother died of AIDS related illness in 2007. He likes going to school but doesn't have the financial ability to buy a school uniform.

Learn more about sponsoring Benson Kambu.

Erick Kingi is 5 years old and lives with his aunt in the Misufini village. His birthmother died due to AIDS related illness and his father is mentally challenged. He has one sibling. The aunt has no income to take care of the child.

Learn more about sponsoring Erick Kingi.

Emily Kombe is 4 years old and was born disabled. Her birthfather died in 2008 in an auto accident. She and her 4 siblings stay with her aunt.

Learn more about sponsoring Emily Kombe.

Winny Charles is 9 years old, and is currently in nursery school. Both of her parents died of AIDS. She has 3 siblings and they live with their aunt, who has very limited income. Winny is in great need for food.

Learn more about sponsoring Winny Charles.

Joy Mueni is 2 and half years old, and is not attending school. Her father died of HIV/AIDS related illness. Her mother is also HIV positive. Joy has three siblings, and they all live together with the grandparents. Joy has multiple health problems, and is in great need for food and medication.

Learn more about sponsoring Joy Mueni.

These three siblings are being raised by their grandparents since their mother's death from HIV/AIDS in August 2005. This family is now being sponsored by Carol Cummings, and all children are healthy.

Childen orphaned by AIDS are "absorbed" into neighboring families in their village. This type of placement provides emotional and physical stability for the orphan, who has almost certainly suffered tremendous loss and pain already. Subsidized placement also adds to the economic stability of the community; helping families come together to care for those in need, as well as giving a small supplement to the foster family each month. This supplement is not always money, but may be a goat, chicken, mosquito net, soap, seeds, school supplies, etc. The families' overall needs for food, medicine, and clean drinking water are prioritized by Imani Project volunteers. The subsidy given each month is tracked to make sure it is given directly to a responsible caregiver and used for the benefit of the entire family and specifically the orphan.

The process begins with identification of the orphans in the villages who are in need of placement. Many orphans are without a caretaker, but remain as a family unit and the older siblings struggle to care for the younger ones. Older children must drop out of school and try to find employment to support their siblings.

The Subsized placement program is a alternative to moving orphans into orphanages in communities away from their homes, relatives and friends and support system. There are many families in the villages who would very much like to take in an orphan, but cannot manage the added financial burden.

Tumaini and Janet Karabu

Tumaini Julius is the orphan selected for placement in Sabaki Village. Tumaini is a student a Majenjeni Primary School. Tumaini was living in extreme poverty with her stepfather. We have arranged for a Imani Project Volunteer, Janet Karabu to monitor the placement and spend time with Tumaini. Janet also makes sure that the supplements given each month go directly to Tumaini. Although this placement is not ideal, we feel it provides Tumaini with some sense of family, and also consistent contact with a caring, responsible adult (Janet Karabu). Tumani is now sponsored by Nancy Wilson and doing well.

Orphans Currently Sponsored:

Amani Ndoro lost both her mother and father to AIDS in 2003. She is eight years old and has three siblings. Amani is in nursery and currently living with her aunt who sells vegetables and bananas to support the family. She lives in Masheheni village. She loves playing football.

Amani Ndoro is currently sponsored by Kathleen Stout.

Amani Nyale is nine years old. He has two siblings and lives with his grandfather who is a farmer. Amani lost his mother to AIDS in 1999 and his father to the same disease in 2001. Amani is in Class 3 in Musifini Village nursery program and lives in Masheheni village.

Amani Nyale is currently sponsored by Amy Earhart.

Bahati Nguzo is eleven years of age and has two siblings. The three children live with a caretaker who is quite elderly. Bahati lost his mother to yellow fever and her father to abdominal problems. Bahati is in Class 4 in kapupuni village. (Exception: Bahati is not an HIV/AIDS orphan.)

Bahati Nguzo is currently sponsored by Michelle Budd.

Davis Fondo is thirteen years old. His father passed away due to HIV related illness in 1996 and his mother left him and his sister to live with their grandmother. Davis is in Class 4 at Masheheni Primary School, and math is his favorite subject.

Davis Fondo is currently sponsored by David Filer.

Harun Charo is 14 years of age. Both his mother and father succumbed to AIDS in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Harun has three siblings, and all four children live with their grandmother who works to take care of them. Harun is in 5th grade at Kagombani Primary School and lives in Kagombani village.

Harun Charo is currently sponsored by Nabiha Islam.

Kitsao Mwena Kitsao Mwena is a 14 year old boy who fell out of a coconut tree and is a paraplegic. For years he laid on a small cot on the family's porch, unable to move. Kitsao now attends a special school for children with disabilities. The Imani Project is working on acquiring a small wheelchair for Kitsao.

Kitsao Mwena is currently sponsored by Earline Anderson and family.

Mwaka Kazungu is 19 years old, and she is in the 4th grade at Majenjeni Primary School. She and her three siblings live with their grandmother. She lost her mother to AIDS, and her father passed away as well. She lives in Majenjeni Village.

Mwaka Kazungu is currently sponsored by Jeanie Ogclen.

Mwokoli Kazungu is 15 years old. He lost both his parents to HIV/AIDS. He lives with a caretaker and five other children. Mwokoli is in Class 5 at Masheheni Primary School and lives in Masheheni village.

Mwokoli Kazungu is currently sponsored by Sam Shank.

Neema Kahindi is sixteen years old and lost both parents to HIV, her mother in 2005 and her father in 2004. She and her three siblings live with their grandmother who gets help from relatives to support the children. Neema is in Class 2 at Majahazini Primary School and lives in Majahazini village.

Neema Kahindi is currently sponsored by Becky.

Rehema Kenga is ten years of age. She lost her mother to AIDS in 2002 and her father to the same disease in 2003. She and one sibling live with their grandmother who gets help from relatives to support them. Rehema is in Class 4 at Masheheni Primary School and lives in Masheheni village.

Rehema Kenga is currently sponsored by Sharron Hines.

Rehema Mwaganda lost both parents to AIDS, her mother in 2004 and her father in 2005. Rehema is fifteen years old and has two siblings; they live with their grandmother and receive financial assistance from an uncle. She is in Class 8 at Masheheni Primary School in Kidangajeni village.

Rehema Mwaganda is currently sponsored by Bob Bradley and Torrie Gordon.

Lucas Kazungu is 6 years old and attends 2nd grade at Mashaheni Primary School. She lost her mother to pneumonia due to HIV in 2003. She lost a younger sibling to HIV/AIDS and has no living siblings. Lucas currently lives with her grandparents in Nmazimoja village.

Lucas Kazungu is currently sponsored by Judith Moyer.

Saumu Kasiwr is 12 years old and has one older sibling. He lost his mother to AIDS in 2003. Saumu is in Class 3 at Masheheni Primary. He lives with his 70 year old grandmother who supports the family by farming. They live in Masheheni Village.

Saumu Kasiwr is currently sponsored by the Gilhousen Family Foundation.

Sineno Kitsao Sineno Kitsao is 13 years old and in Class 3. She lost her father to AIDS in 2004. Sineo has three siblings ranging in age from 12 to 18. They all live with a relative who is helping with food, the family has no income. They stay in Mnazimoja village.

Sineno Kitsao is currently sponsored by Marlene Anderson.

Halua Kadzenga is 16 years old and attends Masheheni Primary where she is in Class 6. She likes to play football. She lost her mother to HIV/AIDS related pneumonia in 1994, and her father to HIV/AIDS in 1997. Haluwa and her younger sister are taken care of by their older sister, Nyeru, who also has children of her own. Nyeru supports the family by farming. They live in Masheheni Village.

Halua Kadzenga is currently sponsored by Young Jee and Curran Filer.

Zawadi Tyoya is 3 year old and is HIV positive. She lost her father to AIDS in 2005 and her mother in 2006. Zawadi lives with her maternal grandparents who make charcoal to support the family. Her grandmother is blind. They live in Masheheni Village.

Zawadi Tyoya is currently sponsored by Ann Bennett.

Baraka Foleni is 13 years old. He lost both of his parents to AIDS in 2002. He lost two younger sisters to AIDS as well, both at age 2. Baraka lives with his aunt who has 6 children of her own and no husband. She cuts trees to make charcoal to support the family. Baraka lives in Sabaki and is in 4th grade at Majenjeni Primary School.

Baraka Foleni is currently sponsored by Brian Davis.

Kavihenzwa Kaingu is 7 years old and lives in Sabaki Village. He lost his mother to AIDS in 2006 and his father to AIDS in 2007. Kavihenzwa and his sister, Shukuran, live with their aunt who has 5 children and no husband. She makes charcoal to support the family. Kavihenzwa is in 1st grade at Majenjene Primary School.

Kavihenzwa Kaingu is currently sponsored by the Gilhousen Family Foundation.

James Garama is 8 years old. His mother is deceased and his father's whereabouts are unknown. When James was 2 years old, he fainted and was sent to the hospital. He received medication and has had some paralysis since then. It appears to be Cerebral Palsy. James in unable to walk or talk. He is not able to attend school. James and his brother live with their grandmother and 9 other children. There are 11 children living in the household. His grandmother farms to support the family. James lives in Masheheni Village.

James Garama is currently sponsored by Freddie.

Fikiri Charo is 8 years old. She is in class 1. Fikiri lost her father in 1998 to HIV/AIDS. Her mother is a cook at Masheheni Primary School. Fikiri has 4 siblings, 3 are living with her. They live in Masheheni Village.

Fikiri Charo is currently sponsored by Kimberlee Sheng.

Maritah Mwayele is 9 years old and is in class 1 at Majahazini. She lost her father to HIV/AIDS in 2005. There are four siblings living in the home, as well as another sibling who died of HIV/AIDS. Birth mother is HIV+ and tries to support the family by selling mangoes. The family lives in Majahazini village.

Maritah Mwayele is currently sponsored by Laura and Christopher Dunlap.

Rachel Jefwa is 9 years old and in 2nd grade at Masheheni Primary School. Her birthfather was murdered in 2003. She lives with her mother and 6 siblings in Masheheni village. The mother tries to support the family by selling vegetables.

Rachel Jefwa is currently sponsored by Virginia Scott.

Bahati Kitigwa is ten years old and in Class 3 at Majahazini Primary. He lost his birthmother to HIV/AIDS in 2005. His father is disabled. Bahati and his four siblings live with their grandmother in Mnazimoja village. His face is scarred due to infection. He is a very sweet little boy.

Bahati Kitigwa is currently sponsored by Patricia O'Shea.

Mapenzi George is thirteen years of age. She and her two siblings live with their uncle and his three children. Mapenzi lost both parents to AIDS. Mapenzi is in Class 5 at Marikebuni Primary School and lives in Mianzini village. Mapenzi likes to read story books, her favorite color is blue.

Mapenzi George is currently sponsored by James and Yvonne Lyon.

Kingi Kaingu is ten years old and in class 2 at Majahazini Primary School. He lives in Mnazimoja village. Kingi's father died of HIV/AIDS in 2003 and he lives with six siblings. His mother is 48 years old, and is not well. She tries to garden to support the family.

Kingi Kaingu is currently sponsored by Monika Deacon.

Karembo Mwambire is 8 years old and in 3rd grade at Masheheni Primary. Karembo lost both her mother and father to HIV/AIDS in 2003, Karembo and 6 other siblings is live with their Uncle Francis (birthfather's brother).

Karembo Mwambire is currently sponsored by Julie McFinley.

Margaret Kayeka is 7 years old and is in class 3 at Masheheni Primary School. She lives in Masheheni village with her mother and 6 siblings. Her mother sells tomatoes and vegetables to support the family.

Margaret Kayeka is currently sponsored by Ebony.

Haluwa Charo is from Musifini village and is 12 year old. Her mother died of Aids related illness in l996 and she currently lives with her father who is ill. She has one older sister who is now married and has left the family home, providing no support. Haluwa's dad is unable to find work; he tries to support the family by catching mice and roasting them and selling them for food. Haluwa attends Masheheni Primary School and is in Class three.

Haluwa Charo is currently sponsored by the Gilhousen Family Foundation.

Amina Katana is 9 years old and lives in Kagombani Village where she is in the 2nd grade. Her father died of HIV/AIDS related illness in 2003. Amina has one older brother, Rodgers, who is 14 years old. The mother has no work.

Amina Katana is currently sponsored by Marion David.

Erick Baraka is 4 years old and in nursery. He lives in Majahazini village. His mother is alive, but is HIV+. Erick's father died of HIV/AIDS in 2004. He has one sibling, Mapenzi, who is nine years old. The mother is too ill to work.

Erick Baraka is currently sponsored by Anonymous.

George Keah is a 13 year old boy who attends Barangi Primary where he is in Class 1. He lives in Burangi village. His mother died of HIV/AIDS related illness in 1998. George has one younger sibling. He lives with his father and grandmother. The father supports the family by farming. George loves playing football.

George Keah is currently sponsored by Ben Deacon.

Jaliwa Ndokolani is 9 years old and is in class 1 in Nmazimoja village. His father died of HIV/AIDS in 1997. Jaliwa lives with four other siblings in Masheheni village. Older brothers support the family by fishing. Jaliwa loves playing football; his favorite color is yellow and dreams to be in the Kenyan army when he grows up.

Jaliwa Ndokolani is currently sponsored by Janice Garceau.

Jamal Benson is 7 years old and attends Majenjeni Nursery school. He lives in Sabaki village. His mother died of HIV/AIDS in 2004, and father's whereabouts are unknown. He likes to play football and swim.

Jamal Benson is currently sponsored by Shirley Herrick.

Sanita Kaingu is 7 years old and attends nursery school in Kagombani village. Her father died of HIV/AIDS in 2004 and her mother is HIV+. She has four siblings. The mother has no work.

Sanita Kaingu is currently sponsored by Fred and Helen McNaughton.

Selena Kanze and Janet Neema are twin girls from Masheheni. They are 8 year old. They are in class 1. Their father died of a heart attack in 2006. He left two wives and a total of 13 children. The family is getting minimal support from the brother of the deceased husband.

Selena Kanze and Janet Neema are currently sponsored by Dana Smith.

Suwedi Nzai is a 10 year old boy who lives in Masheheni village. He is in class 1. His birth father died of HIV/AIDS related pneumonia in l999. He has three older siblings. His mother who is ill sells vegetables to make money for the family.

Suwedi Nzai is currently sponsored by Lisa Crosby.

Margaret Chome is 14 years old and in Class 5 at Majenjeni Primary. Her birthmother is deceased (cause unknown which usually means HIV/AIDS) and her birthfather is blind.Birthfather is a beggar in order to bring home food for the family. Margaret has an older brother, but she is currrently the only sibling in school. She is a bright student, and needs a sponsor.

Margaret Chome is currently sponsored by Michelle Budd.

Kahindi Charo is 10 years old and in Class 2 at Majenjeni Primary. His father died from AIDS related illness in 2000. Birthmother makes a meager living selling Palm Wine. Kahindi recently recovered from Malaria. Two older siblings live in the home as well. There is not able to produce enough income to buy enough food for the family.

Kahindi Charo is currently sponsored by Kimberly Lewis and Kalani Mayfield.

Dama's Children These three siblings are being raised by their grandparents since their mother's death from HIV/AIDS in August 2005. This family is now being sponsored by Carol Cummings and all children are healthy.

Dama's Children are currently sponsored by Carol Cummings.

Tumani Julius

Tumani Julius is currently sponsored by Nancy Wilson.

Simoro Ngala is two years old. Her father died of HIV/AIDS related pneumonia in October of 2007. Simoro has three siblings; Sanda (4 years), Jumaa (6 years, and Zenabu (8 years). The mother who is ill but refuses to be tested for HIV/AIDS is receiving counseling at the Imani Project office. She sells fish when she can and they have a small shamba (garden), however food shortage is a major problem for this family.

Simoro Ngala is currently sponsored by Beth Rice.

Mercy Samuels is 11 years old and lives in Masheheni Village. She is in 4th grade at Masheheni Primary School. Both she and her sibling, Eunice, live with their grandparents. Their mother, who was an Imani Project volunteer, died of AIDS two years ago. The father's whereabouts are unknown.

Mercy Samuels is currently sponsored by Janice Garceau.

Nickson Luwali is six years old and is in nursery in the Musafini village. Nickson is an HIV/AIDS orphan and currently living with a neighbor.

Nickson Luwali is currently sponsored by Bob Bradley and Torrie Gordon.

Daniel Onyango is 12 years old and in class 4 at Majenjeni Primary School. He lost his parents to HIV/AIDS; both died in 2007. Daniel is living with his grandmother his younger sibling Eric.

Daniel Onyango is currently sponsored by Jack Cox.

Sidi Kadzomba is 13 years old. She lost both her parents to AIDS. She is currently in Class 4 at Mjanaheri Primary. Sidi has one older sibling, Karisa, who is 15. The girls are living with their grandmother and several other relatives. The family has no stable income; grandmother sells prawns when she can find them.

Sidi Kadzomba is currently sponsored by Nan Tupper Malone and Patrick Malone.

Fikirini Charo is 7 years old, and in nursery school at Marikebuni Primary. She lives in Musifini village. Her mother died of AIDS, and her father's whereabouts are unknown. Fikirini has 2 sibings, Mapenzie (aged 10), and Kitsao (aged 12). The children are living with their grandmother and 14 other relatives in a ramshackle house with no roof, and only sticks for siding. The family is in desperate need of adequate shelter and food.

Fikirini Charo is currently sponsored by Earline Anderson for Sara and Ron Seubert.

Fondo Kalama Fondo is 7 years old and lives with his mother and grandmother. His birthfather of died of AIDS in 2005. Mom works in other people's shambas and also helps mix cement to help with construction when she has the opportunity. Family is very poor with unstable food supply.

Fondo Kalama is currently sponsored by The Wilgus Family.

Zawadi Charo is 13 years old and in Class 3 at Masheheni Primary. Her birthmother died of AIDS related illness in 2005. Her grandmother, father and l3 children live in one house. There is no income as the father does not work. Grandmother is ill, buy trying to take care of the family. The is family is in need of a sponsor as soon as possible.

Zawadi Charo is currently sponsored by Janice Garceau.

Sharku Kitsao is aged 3 and lives in Misufini village. His birthmother died of AIDS in 2007. Sharku and his two brothers and 3 sisters are living in the home, as well as his grandmother, and his birthfather's second wife and her children. Altogether there are l3 people living in one dilapadated house. Adequate food is a constant worry for this family.

Sharku Kitsao is currently sponsored by Christy and Dennis Jefferson.

Simeon Kitsao is 13 years of age and in Class 5 at Mambrui Primary. His birthmother died of AIDS in 2007. There are four other children living in the home by themselves; the father ran away after the mother died. This child was brought in for registration by a caring neighbor. Especially in need of a sponsor.

Simeon Kitsao is currently sponsored by Enid and David Traisman.

Salima Mwaringa is 4 months old and living in Masheheni village. Her birthfather died of AIDS oin 2009. Threre are three other children in the home with the birthmother. This family is very, very poor and in need of a sponsor.

Salima Mwaringa is currently sponsored by Sally Miller.

Sababu Katana s 13 years old and in class 4 at Marikebuni Primary. Birthfather died of AIDS related illness in 2004. Mother lives at home with 13 children. The family grows corn to eat. The family is in desperate need of a sponsor.

Sababu Katana is currently sponsored by Christine Abernathy.

Morris Charo is age 10 and in Class 4 at Majahazini Primary. Morris has 6 sisters, all living at home. His birthfather died of AIDS related illness in 2002. The mother has a small shamba (farm), but food is in very short supply.

Morris Charo is currently sponsored by All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church of Kansas City.

Amina Karisa is 5 year old, and not in school at this time. Her birthfather died in 2007 in a motorcycle accident. Amina's birthmother and his father's second wife live together in a house with l3 children. Mother has a small shamba, but it does not produce enough food to feed the family.

Amina Karisa is currently sponsored by Mary Ellen Sisung.

Anna Shinda Anna is 9 years old and in Class 2 in Masheheni Primary School. Both her parents died of AIDS. Anna lives with her grandmother Eunice, who grows and sells corn to produce income for the family. Two other silbings are living in the house as well.

Anna Shinda is currently sponsored by Wendy Cline.

Elizabeth Kaingu is 4 years old and both of her parents died of HIV/AIDS related illness. She has one sister and 2 brothers. Elizabeth stays with her grandmother and she has no income.

Elizabeth Kaingu is currently sponsored by Susan Webert.