JIREH DEVELOPMENT

(Registration number:1999/010714/08)

17 October 2000-09-05

Dear viewer

Aids is taking a devastating toll in human suffering and death in Africa. In spite of dedicated efforts to prevent the spreading of the disease, destitute orphans to be cared for are increasing daily in alarming numbers. HIV/AIDS has already aggravated the poor economic conditions that exist within those communities, and the battle for survival for those who are left behind, cannot be imagined.

With only 10% of the world’s population, Africa has 63% of the global HIV/AIDS cases, and new infections are numbering more than 1,4 million each year. Surveys indicate that within the next five years, millions of children will be left desolate as orphans because of AIDS. Without proper care, basic education and a sound value system, there is little prospect of a productive and disciplined next generation. Poverty, crime, violence and prostitution will increase exponentially.

The emphasis in addressing the AIDS pandemic has thus far been on preventing the spreading of the disease, and finding a cure for it. Lately, integrated plans for the establishment of extended families, home care community projects and adoption options have been investigated. Statistics indicate, however, that the responsibilities of helping the Aids sufferers, the aged and the orphans will in the near future place such tremendous pressure on the healthy group in Africa that they will not be able to meet the needs without assistance from elsewhere.

The JIREH project stems from a vision of concerned Christian volunteers from various countries to join hands in caring for AIDS orphans. Our aim is to not only house, feed and clothe them, but to raise a new generation according to Christian values, resulting in a lifestyle and moral outlook that precludes AIDS, crime and prostitution.

Due to the immensity of the task of raising many thousands of children from perhaps birth to adulthood, the project cannot be modest. In the project development, attention has been paid to their housing, feeding, clothing, parenting, medical care, moral upbringing and basic education, as well as self-help programmes and such training as is necessary to make the individual productive and independent in adulthood.

The first facet to receive attention, will be housing. Plans have already been drawn up for home clusters, each comprising six home units and a kitchen/dining unit. A home unit is designed to accommodate 48 children and a parent family, and includes a playroom and open courtyard.

While endeavouring to keep costs down, great care has been taken to ensure an environment where children can grow and work happily, with all their physical and emotional needs met.

In its present ambitious form, this project will be dependent on financial and other material contributions – thus our plea to you

The first communal village, comprising one cluster, will soon be erected in the Midlands of the small province of KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, where the AIDS pandemic is at its worst.

The ideal is to eventually establish orphan villages and supporting services in all the communities where they are needed

Once the concept is functioning smoothly, JIREH Development, together with various Mission organisations, will duplicate and manage other similar developments. JIREH Development is a South African registered Section 21 Company, controlled by a board of international directors with offices in South Africa and Switzerland. Financial statements, audited by an international company, will be available annually for scrutiny by any donor. General feedback and reports will be placed on the web.

Please speak for those who cannot speak for themselves: demonstrate your empathy with the second generation of AIDS victims by adopting an orphan financially. The running costs for the caring and education of an orphan in South Africa is estimated at US $1500.

You can alternatively contribute toward the construction of the orphanages: buy a building block for US $1, or contribute any amount, according to your means.

Gifts of clothing, furniture, food, educational material etc. will be appreciated.

• Phone this toll-free number ………. and speak directly to a co-worker or member of the JIREH Development. USA / SA / SWITZERLAND…..
• Send your e-mail address to us and we will forward you more information.
• Adopt an orphan for a year or more.
• Donate any amount to the JIREH Development. Bank details: Switzerland

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Board of Directors