25 June 2007

HWWK marks World AIDS Orphans Day in Kibwezi
By Roselyn Nyakundi

A number of Kids Clubs facilitators teamed up to organize an all-day football tournament for children in Kibwezi district to commemorate World AIDS Orphans Day (WAOD). The facilitators are from Community-Based Organizations and volunteers dedicated to caring for orphans and vulnerable children. They were trained by HOPE worldwide Kenya (HWWK) in Psychosocial Support of children.

Two separate events were held, in the towns of Makindu and Kibwezi. In Makindu over 400 children took part while in Kibwezi about 300 children took part in a football tournament. With eleven Kids Clubs mentored by HWWK attending the event, HWWK provided food for the children and awards for the event. The winning teams in each side won footballs and exercise books.

(WAOD) was initiated by the non-governmental organization, FXB International, in order to focus public and media attention on the distress of vulnerable children and the consequences of their social and economic exclusion. The event is held every year on May 7. FXB International fights for the fundamental rights of these children on a worldwide basis.

According to FXB, there are 15 million children orphaned as a result of AIDS. In addition to being especially vulnerable to all forms of exploitation, these children face financial difficulties, disease, and stigmatization.

Apart from the fun-filled and bonding tournaments in Kibwezi, HWWk also held events in Nairobi on the same day. Showing support for victims of the AIDS pandemic is in keeping with HWWK’s objective to support orphans and vulnerable children.