Thanks in large part to the privilege I have of writing this column and to the support of Rotary Clubs in this area, I have been able to draw attention to the needs of AIDS orphans at Sihlengeni High School and Pelandaba Primary School in Zimbabwe.

In 2005 we generated support from a number of readers of this column and now, over the past year, that support has grown to include the Nanaimo Interact Club (a high school Rotary Club) that last fall raised $10,000 in support of our orphans, Mrs. Beleznay’s Grade 10 class at Barsby that purchased 1,280 notebooks for students at Sihlengeni, and Mrs. de Jung’s Grade 4/5 class at Uplands Park Elementary School that raised enough money to pay school fees for eleven AIDS orphans at Pelandaba Primary School.

When you read these excerpts from our orphans’ most recent thank you letters, you’ll see why so many local people have committed their support to these orphans.

“I eat every morning before coming to school and with the uniform, I look like other children. Please don’t miss to pay school fees. Goodbye. See you. Jabulile.”

“I would like to tell you how things are at school. I am doing well and everything is in order and we get our food thanks to you and your friends. I thank you so much for the uniform and I promise to be good at school and at home. I would like to know how life overseas is. Back home in our country everything is in bad manner but with your help aside it seems to be much better” – Dalohehle Sibanda

“I want to pass my examinations tomorrow and I would like to be one of you, those who donate food, uniforms and other things. I want to save my county and I want to do my best. Yours faithfully, Promise.”

“I want to thank you for the uniforms you sent us not to forget the food. I see you changing lives and we are looking nice like other school children because we have uniforms. Things are going to change because we now have exercise books to write in. Yours faithfully, Charity.”

“My grandfather did not have money to pay school fees for me. I thank you that you let me go to school to learn like other children and that you gave me food to eat, uniforms to wear and for giving me books to write in at school. I think I will do better on my next exams. Yours faithfully, Nokuthula.”

“I am always reading novels and my notes so I can learn English better. My favourite subject is maths. I am working very hard at school so I can pass and get a job. When I do, I want to help others like you are. I am making a very big thanks to you. Yours faithfully, Cynthia Miauzi.”

“I was happy when I learned that you were going to pay for my school fees, my uniforms and give me food. My grandmother had told me she had no money for school fees and I would have to sit down. When I finish my education, I will have a good job. Yours faithfully, Sitshengisiwe Matutu.”

“Thank you for paying my school fees and giving me books. I have improved in school and I am smart at school. The work I would like most is to be a teacher or a doctor – Michululi Ndebele.”

Through my Rotary friends in Zimbabwe, we have contact with over 100 schools and thousands of AIDS orphans that could use any help you or an organization you represent could give. Since this is a Rotary project, 100% of the money donated goes to the orphans. There are no administrative fees.