Malawi’s HIV prevalence is one of the highest globally with approximately 10.3% of the population living with HIV. This disease has had a devastating impact on children and families. There are an estimated 790,000 orphans due to AIDS and the prevalence of HIV among children was 10%, with 170,000 living with HIV.
Supporting the needs of orphans and other children made vulnerable by AIDS is a focus of the national HIV/AIDS response. However, a lack of resources prevents the roll-out of sufficient services for these children.
Poverty and limited educational attainment results in few opportunities for Malawians to improve their lives. Over 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. Only 26% of boys and 16% of girls complete primary school, and 15% of boys and 7% of girls will complete all four years of secondary school.
The Jacaranda School for Orphans meets this pressing need by providing orphans and vulnerable children with a free primary and secondary education and all the supportive services they need to thrive, including healthcare, nutritious meals, enrichment activities and financial and material support to their families.