Happy Grandparents Day!
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are currently over 6 million children in the
In developing countries too, grandparents give all the support and help they can to their families. Marilyn Grist, Director of HelpAge
Up to half of the world’s children orphaned by AIDS are cared for by their grandparents, yet life can be a struggle for the grandparents who are poor. HelpAge International supports more than 1.2 million older people and their families every year and improves the lives of millions more through its advocacy work.
You can make a difference too!
This grandparents day give a donation in honour of a special grandparent in your life.
· $20 could pay a year’s school fees for one child being cared for by grandparents.
· $50 could provide training in bookkeeping and marketing to help four grandmothers start a small business.
· $100 could enable a group of older people to learn more about HIV and AIDS so they can protect themselves and the children in their care from infection
Askele’s story
For Askele who lives in a village in
“My daughter died of AIDS three years ago. So did her husband. They left three young children behind – so of course I took them in and now care for them. At my age, it’s hard to find the money to pay for everything they need, such as food, school supplies and clothes.
Now I’ve got another worry. Another of my daughters has been diagnosed with HIV – just 15 days ago. What if she doesn’t survive? She’s only 30, with four young children.
Fortunately, some help is there for me. Mary Joy, a partner organisation of HelpAge International, has helped me obtain micro-credit so I can make a bit of income and keep the family fed. They also help me pay for school supplies and clothes.
With the help of Mary Joy, the family’s just about coping, although it’s not easy. I’m happiest when me and all my children and grandchildren live together peacefully – this makes me feel good and that life is worthwhile. My biggest wish is for all of my children to live healthily.”