Dec 2, 2009 6:31pm
Helping AIDS Orphans Seen On ‘World News’
EmailLast night, David Muir reported on the plight of children orphaned by AIDS, and many of you wrote to us asking how you can help them. There is a small NGO, a non-governmental organization, made up of volunteers who help children in the South African town where this family lives. You can email them at vukunzenzele.fund@gmail.com.
For more on this story, you can watch David’s report from last night HERE, and can see a slideshow with the children HERE.
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This story really touched my heart and I am interested in doing something for this family.
Posted by: Tracy Edwards | December 2, 2009, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm
I do think that it is wonderful that Americans want to help these kids in Africa. However, I am CERTAIN that here in the USA, children are in the same situation. Here in Charlotte NC, most of our homeless are families with children. I would be glad to help those in Africa, ONCE EVERY child in America had a place to lay down and go to sleep, with a full stomach and shoes to put on in the morning. Those who are dying to help these children, may want to look a little colser to home, I’m sure you will find someone that could use your help!
Posted by: Miles C | December 2, 2009, 7:04 pm 7:04 pm
Yes I have a comment
This country of ours is falling apart, unemployment is higher than ever, we are a war unless you havent noticed. Our health insurance is any bodies guess.
WHY DONT WE TAKE CARE OF OUR ON HERE AT HOME!
Posted by: greg wilkerson | December 2, 2009, 7:06 pm 7:06 pm
How cruel are those comments above…I would like to help ,but NOT thru an E-Mail site and those kids may never see what I send. Tell me if the reporter would handle it and get it to those kids featured??
Posted by: Lon Hurt | December 2, 2009, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
It’s amazing to me how people can be so heartless about what goes on in other countries. Saying we should take care of our own is the most selfish thing I’ve ever heard. We are ALL in this world together, whether far or near, rich or poor, American or foreign to this land we call home. God doesn’t see us as black or white, but only as His children. Yes, Americans are seeing things differently these days, mostly due to greed and selfishness. These children are selfless, humble and proud to do whatever it takes to care for each other. That is what we all should learn from them.
Posted by: Susan | December 2, 2009, 7:18 pm 7:18 pm
“Me, me, me”…”and its some body elses fault”…its that attitude that’s driven this country aground.
To be so self-centered and proud of it
too? You get what you sew…
Rot to all you small people.
Posted by: M. Kirby | December 2, 2009, 7:21 pm 7:21 pm
Shame on you people who have posted such nasty comments!! Yes we do have those who are starving and homeless in our own country–this story was to show the willpower of these children to go on after their mother died. We should all be willing to help one another no matter from what country or what skincolor!!
Posted by: Susan | December 2, 2009, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm
First to Marilyn, it is sad you only see skin color. Diseases (like Aids), and many other soical issues cross all lines including race. Finding a cure for aids is a cure for everyone. You mention last century, yeah, your stuck in the past. To Greg the state of the nation didn’t happen over night, cutting taxes while going to war is a first for America. Your conerns are noted but late. It is the determination of these kids that I loved, and want to help.
Posted by: George McLean | December 2, 2009, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
To everyone who says that it is heartless to think and care about our own less fortunate in America before ones in other countries; I disagree. Many Americans see people from other countries like the children featured in the news and suddenly grow a heart and want to help. FYI, there are orphaned kids, there are starving kids, homeless kids, and sick kids in America too. I think it is important to help impoverished peoples in countries who cannot give them the help they need. But what about our own country? We have the resources to feed every American every day three hot meals. Yet it isn’t being done. Let’s give to our fellow Americans and help them in order to strengthen and better our country. Then we will be more capable of serving other countries because we have served our own.
Posted by: Maggie | December 2, 2009, 7:53 pm 7:53 pm
This what we wrote to the group helping these children:
Greetings from Springfield, PA, USA!
My wife and I were so moved by the story of the children Helping Aids Orphans on ABC. We have been in South Africa and were so impressed by the people we met in the shanty towns. We, who supposedly have everything, so often forget that everything is the indomitable spirit portrayed by those precious children and the depth of their love. They know what it means to be human in the deepest sense of the word. We met so many people like that when we were in South Africa. Yet, of course, that does not mean that their everything is enough to live their lives with an adequate degree of material comfort–something those sweet people deserve. So, therefore, how can we help lift those people to experience much more adequate standards of living?
Sincerely,
Walter and Sheryl Bruinsma
—————————————-
Yes, as one person pointed out, will these children see any of the help we might send? This certainly needs to be investigated before any funds are sent.
Yes, we are all human. We are a world community and we are in this humanity together!
Posted by: Walter Bruinsma | December 2, 2009, 7:53 pm 7:53 pm
I dont understand why wanting to take care of the people in one’s country is such a crime. It has nothing to do with race, people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds need our help right here in the good ole USA. So why bring race into it when its not the case. We have a huge problem right in our own backyard that is made up of white, black, asian and hispanic. Why dont Americans deserve the same help as others???
Posted by: Jackie | December 2, 2009, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
I have grandchildren the same age has those precious children.
Those children are so brave, our heart goes out to them.
Would like to donate, would like to know a secure sight to do so.
I don’t know of a story that has touched me like their story. Thanks to ABC for telling their story.
Amy Prime
Posted by: Amy Prime | December 2, 2009, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
Can we go a step further? Can David Muir provide a mailing address for these children so that I might provide helpful funds. I would rather not go through an organization that may or may not give to the children in need.
Thank you in advance.
Posted by: Belinda B. | December 2, 2009, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
For those wanting to donate directly to the people, there are many churches who sponsor missionaries in various parts of the world. That would be a good place to look if you are doubtful of the website provided here. Also many churches have mission outreach projects that give clothes, food and money to the people in your community.
Posted by: Maggie | December 2, 2009, 8:11 pm 8:11 pm
I think many people are missing what a great piece of journalism this really is. Its not a story about homeless kids. Its a story about the devastation of AIDS in South Africa and the spirit of determination these children maintain in the face of the greatest of challenges.
Maybe its about time we stop thinking in terms of ‘us and them’ and seek a greater unity of human spirit. Yes there are struggling families worthy of compassion here in America, but does that preclude us from compassion for the struggles faced by Thozama and her siblings?
Posted by: Craig O. | December 2, 2009, 8:36 pm 8:36 pm
YES PLEASE could there be more direct info on how to get support to these kids instead of just a email address? And ABC–how about going out on a limb and reporting on kids who are in similar situations here in the US?
Posted by: Nicole | December 2, 2009, 10:39 pm 10:39 pm
Thank you for this story. It is heartbreaking that there are children who have to live without parents, all across the world. Here is another amazing organization that does a wonderful job of serving children in South Africa
Posted by: rachel | December 2, 2009, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
It is hard to see so many children that need help, and knowing we can’t help them all. It is my personal belief that a child who needs help, is a child who needs help, whether they live down the street or across the world. Helping any child is a wonderful and valid thing to do. It has as it’s goal to inform people about the AIDS epidemic in southern Africa (South Africa and Kenya specifically), the resulting orphan crisis, and organizations and individuals that are set up to help. And, links to how you can help. In the end, my husband and I felt so drawn to do something positive that we adopted 4 year old orphaned twins from South Africa. They are beautiful and bright and happy and healthy and loved, and they have the opportunity to carry all those things into their future.
Posted by: Gael | December 3, 2009, 1:14 am 1:14 am
This story touched my heart. How can I buy them a bike?
Carol Pedigree
Western MA
Posted by: Carol Pedigree | December 3, 2009, 7:35 am 7:35 am
wow, this story really touched my heart , i like
Posted by: TV Online | December 3, 2009, 9:50 am 9:50 am
I was so touched by your story on the children orphaned by AIDS. As a teacher, I was so moved by the desire of these young people to have a better life as a social worker and a pilot. I was impressed by the fact they are willing to work for their future. So many students here take their education for granted. It is almost as if school is an inconvenience.
I too would like to help these children but I would like to have a secure source for the donation. Any ideas?
Posted by: alice | December 3, 2009, 10:35 am 10:35 am
I would rather not go through an organization that may or may not give to the children in need. I’d like to have a direct phone and address for my giving also. I really do want to help.
Thank you
Posted by: Angelo | December 3, 2009, 12:30 pm 12:30 pm
I commend those who want to help locally, and those who want to help those abroad. We are each different in our perspectives and touched by things differently. The importance of an issue comes not by defending positions or begging for someone to change, but to actually get involved in your own belief. Are you doing something about what you feel strongly about?
My wife and i started a 501(c)(3) several years ago and work specifically in South Africa. The children in Soweto are probably neighbors of those we work with. We have not gone to South Africa to give handouts, but rather to get the people there involved in their own solutions. If you want to do something that helps these children, and the million other orphans in South Africa it is possible. Be diligent about investigating an organization to see if their delivery is in line with your desire. Most of all, if you feel strongly about something, do something. This is how people become strong the world over.
Posted by: Michael | December 3, 2009, 4:58 pm 4:58 pm
If you think the work of our organization fits with your desire, consider helping us as we work in Soweto and other places in South Africa. The orphan problem is at the forfront of our thoughts, and certainly our efforts are primarily for them. Any help you give goes 100% to the work as we are separately funded for administration. Thank you.
Michael
Posted by: Michael | December 4, 2009, 1:34 am 1:34 am
If families in America could actually ‘attach’ or ‘adopt in a sense’ to a family of orphans in Africa, I would be willing to do that. There could be pictures sent, school supplies, correspondence, and other needs met, on a more personal level. It would be almost like those kids would get foster parents. And then who knows what would could happen………
Posted by: Susan Alexander | December 4, 2009, 12:21 pm 12:21 pm
I would like to donate money directly to these kids. Please send me an address. I tried asking the same question on the link above but I did not get a response yet. Thanks
Matt
Posted by: Mathew Thomas | December 4, 2009, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm