Share the Love!
AAI has been sponsoring children in the Philippines, South Africa and Sierra Leone with commitment from our AAI members. The children have thrived due to your generosity and we are truly grateful. Unfortunately, the Covid 19 Pandemic has been harsh on those that are most vulnerable and a growing number of children need your help now…more than ever!
We have successfully arranged sponsorships for 42 children we know and love in different locations around the world. Thanks to all of you for your GENEROSITY – This has changed so many lives! Those below have helped ensure their basic needs are met and they can go to school to get the education they need.
Twice a year, sponsors will receive a message from “your” child to watch them grow.
Please scroll through all the children and read their brief stories. They are all deserving of your help!
Thank you to everyone!!!
SALAMAT (Thank You) for your much needed and greatly appreciated support.
To Renew Your Sponsorship for another year click here.
See below the riveting stories on the kids that were sponsored
Sinethemba, S. Africa – 10 children
Grant and Sharon run a small self-funded children’s home in Gauteng. South Africa called Sinethemba. They have been offering a safe haven for abused, abandoned and orphaned children for the past 20 years. They open their hearts to the most vulnerable and deserving. They do NOT receive government assistance and the Covid-19 pandemic has deleted their cash flow. They need your help to continue supporting these children. Sharing the Love to sponsor their children will bring much-needed donations to help them continue to care for these worthy children.
Luq – 9 month old boy of a single teen parent
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
I like being the baby of the house and am so proud my mom decided to keep me…and still go to school! She’s an awesome mom and I love her so much….and know she loves me lots and lots. She works really, really hard to provide for me. When I grow up, I want to drive a shiny red fire truck…just like my favorite toy. It would be awesome if you could help me and mom have a better life!
Palesa – 12 year old girl, victim of human trafficking
SPONSORED BY NIKKI WELLS!
When I was seven weeks old, I was nearly murdered by MY FATHER. He is a very violent criminal who grew up serving as a rebel soldier so I guess violence and alcohol were normal for him. A few years ago, he was imprisoned for murdering my mother. Sinethemba is the only home and family I’ve know and I am grateful.
My life is going to be different from the one my parents lived. I am devoting myself to serve as an advocate against Gender-Based Violence. That is my goal and purpose in this life. Your generosity to help me reach this goal will be forever appreciated.
Mayah – 2 year old girl of special needs mom
SPONSORED BY MARK GUTMAN!
I love everyone in the house especially Grandpa Pops! My Mom had a very difficult childhood filled with abuse and sadness until she came to live at Sinethemba. Although she is still unable to live on her own or work a regular job, she does babysitting from home to raise money for essentials. And I am her # 1 essential! I really, really hope you can help me and mom!
Jaqueline – 8 year old girl, neglected, in danger of sexual abuse
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
My older brother and I have been living at Sinethemba for three years . I have been kinda sick, but I am getting stronger every day. When I first came here, I had to go to the hospital to have 12 teeth removed! (OUCH!) Most of my teeth have grown back which makes me really really happy. I share a bedroom with three other girls who are bossy sometimes. They tell me I’m a girly-girl because I love pink and purple and like pretty clothes. What’s wrong with that? I am in grade 3 and sometimes have trouble in school as I am still recovering from health issues. Actually, I have a long way to go. I hope you will want to share this journey with me!
Sofyah – 12 year old girl, a survivor of human trafficking
SPONSORED BY MARY BETH!
Until I came to Sinethemba, I never had a home or a family. I don’t know which country I come from or even who my parents are. I only have memories of terrible things. The social worker told me I was raped many times and that I was also drugged. The drugs made me behave in a way that scared the other children in my previous Place of Safety. They called me “monkey girl” and “crazy child”. I cried a lot. All that has changed now. I have a family who loves and protects me. My night terrors are getting better, although I am still scared of the dark. I should be in Grade 6, but I am only in Grade 3. School is really tough for me. I believe my life can be better. Please join me on this journey.
Johan – 12-year-old boy suffering from severe neglect
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
Before coming to Sinethemba, I had sole responsibility for taking care of my little sister. I am so relieved to have help with her and be able to be a normal boy who has time to make friends and play with other children. Before coming here, it was very, very difficult. Every day, I had to find food for my little sister and me to eat, so I could not go to school. I love going to school now but I still worry about the future. Knowing I have your help…and that you care….will make me SO happy!
Hayden – 13 year old boy. street child
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
My parents are vagrants. They prefer to live on the streets and make their “living” by stealing. They taught me to steal without getting caught. This is how we survived. Living with my parents also exposed me to the drug world, street gangs…and the kind of life that gives you NO HOPE. Since coming to Sinethemba, I am so grateful to have a home to live in, a comfortable place to sleep, and enough food to eat….every day! I am now in school and hope to go to university one day. Please join me on my journey to HOPE and a life worth living.
Samanta– 15 year old girl, suffering from Life-threatening neglect
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
I was five years old when my dad,Jimmy, fell off a very high roof. He broke his back and could no longer work or look after me properly. Due to severe malnutrition, I developed Kwashicor, a severe form of malnutrition caused by a lack of protein and essential nutrients creating excess fluid and causing swelling in the abdomen. Everyone in the squatter camp where we lived thought I was fat because my tummy was so big. No one realized that a very big tummy in a small child is actually a symptom of severe starvation and can be deadly. I now have difficulty learning but I truly try my best. Next year when I am 16, I hope to go to a special needs school. With your help I can achieve that goal and be able to have an education that will allow me to live a better life. Thank you in advance for your help.
Lebo – 17 year old male, Low grade autism spectrum, Asperger’s Syndrome
SPONSORED BY KATE JEWELL!
I have had a very blessed life. My dad was a FRELIMO soldier who hit me, burned me and murdered my mother. But I did not DIE. I jumped into a fish pond to play with the fish and I drowned. The hospital resuscitated me and put a stent in my heart, so I did not DIE. Now I am a slightly odd 17 year old boy who is more comfortable with animals and nature than with society…but I am ALIVE! Due to COVID, there are NO jobs so I would like to start a mobile dog grooming business. Your financial help and guidance would mean SO SO much to me.
Milton – 16 year old male suffering from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
SPONSORED BY SUE ANN WIERENGA!
My previous foster parents abandoned me when I was 11. I guess life with me was just too difficult. I have been at Sinethemba since then. I can’t say that every day is a happy day because some days I get really down, but at least every day is a safe day and a food day. And most of all, I am loved. Due to my condition, it is a miracle that I am in Grade 9. My future holds many challenges but I am willing to give it my best shot …..and know I will have a better shot with your support. Thank you for considering me to sponsor.
DAWO Family, the Philippines – 10 children
Working with AAI, we meet many amazing and deserving families. Today, we’d like you to meet the DAWO family living in a small place in the Philippines’ countryside. A few years ago, mom gave birth to their NINTH child. Tragically, she passed away shortly after giving birth, leaving her nine children in the care of her husband and their grandmother. Even providing the basics of food, shelter, clean water, and clothing is a challenge for this family. Understandably, the children dream of going to school and continuing their education. Unfortunately, their dreams will not come true without YOUR help as they can not afford transportation to school when often they don’t even have enough money for basic food. All these children have suffered a terrible loss. They are seeking out the best life they can on little income. Your support will help give them a healthier life, a much-needed and wanted education, and hope for a brighter future.
Jessie A. Dawo – 2 years old
SPONSORED BY Nurture Family Dental!
The youngest who was born September 26, 2018 the same dame day their mother died due to complications during his delivery. The lost made him miss the feeling of what a real mother’s love is. Unfortunately you can see the aftermath of this mother as you see his slow development physically.
Jessie needs not only a mother’s care but also nutrition as he was deprived of it since birth. Please help give Jessie the extra support he needs.
Roderick A. Dawo – 15 years old
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
The second eldest of 9 siblings was born on May 16, 2006 who shares the same sports as his brother –basketball.
In the morning before the sun rises, you can see him scavenging on the streets, gathering anything that can be traded for a few coins. In some occasions, he would also join his eldest brother doing construction duties. His thin body ignores all the body pain after work. Unfortunately he doesn’t have much choice as they are so poor and need money for food. They all contribute the best they can, with only having a father to provide. The grandmother helps to take care of the younger sibling but it’s not an easy life. They are a family who works together to survive the day.
At night before sleeping, he would go at the back of their poorly made hut to utter some prayers and to thank God for another fulfilled day and wishes that his dream of becoming a chef someday be a reality.
The kids from this family are too young to have such a burden put upon them. Thank you so much for all your help and support.
Vriona A. Dawo – 4 years old
SPONSORED BY SUSAN BAUCOM!
The second youngest sibling enjoys playing with dolls just like any other young girls. She doesn’t know much about how life is fulfilled everyday but you can see from her weak smile that she is starting to feel the poverty situation that they live in. She compares herself to her playmates from her old clothes that were passed down from generations of her other siblings to the dolls she is playing with. You cannot see any complaints from her for she is properly taken care of by the people around her. It is the main reason why you can’t see any sadness in her eyes despite the lack of everything that a young child of her age should enjoy.
Reuven A. Dawo – 5 year old boy
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
Reuven is the baby of the family. He has a faint memory of his mother’s hugs which gave him so much comfort. Reuven is a really smart little boy and wants to be a doctor someday. He loves playing basketball and his favorite foods are ice cream and hamburgers.
Regina A Dawo – 8 year old girl
SPONSORED BY CAROL MCCHESNEY, MICHELE MITCHELL IRELAND, LIZ CONN & DONNA CRAFT
Since meals have been scarce for most of her life, Regina’s loves good food….and wants to be a chef someday! She also wants to be a teacher because she believes that education is the key to finally ending the poverty her family is experiencing now. She enjoys playing badminton and believes it helps relieve her stress.
Veralyn A. Dawao – 10 year old girl
SPONSORED BY CONNIE MULLICK AND BRENDA VOUTYRAS!
Veralyn dreams of being a model. Those dreams help her overcome her profound sadness over the death of her mother. She is very good in school and may be the one member of her family to graduate from college….with your help! For now, sho loves playing with dolls and challenging others in badminton.
Veronica A. Dawo – 12 year old girl
SPONSORED BY PAMELA BURGET!
Like her sisters, Veronica profoundly misses her mother but tries to be strong to be a model for her younger sisters. Veronica dreams of being a chef, enjoys badminton and loves playing with dolls. Her favorite subject is interesting “Good manners and Right Conduct” – and of course, she loves eating. Her favorite meal is Filipino Noodle Pancit.
Vina A. Dawo – 13 year old girl
SPONSORED BY MARY BETH!
Vina hopes to be a world class chef someday. She says that every time she cooks, she remembers her mother and feels like she is “just a wind away from her.” She appreciates how the family has pulled together to help each other and dreams of helping her siblings, father and grandparents. She often feels sad and consoles herself by playing with her favorite dolls and beating her siblings at badminton (or trying to!). Like her sister, Vina’s favorite subject is “Good Manners and Right Conduct”. Her favorite Filipino foods are Palabok and Spaghe.
Raven A. Dawo – 16 years old
SPONSORED BY JENNY STARLIN!
The eldest of 9 siblings was born July 18, 2005 who is dreaming of becoming a computer programmer someday. He knows his dream is very impossible knowing how devastated their family has been specially when their mother died few years back but he is learning the game of life day by day.
In the summer heat, Raven is seen wearing a pair of old socks and slippers, long sleeves and a piece of cloth to protect his head against the heat of the sun while working as a laborer in a construction site. He does this to help contribute to feed his other hungry siblings.
It’s a luxury when he plays basketball on a very rare occasion and eats “palabok”, Philippine noodles, afterwards as he senses everyday an opportunity to earn extra for his family. He even tries to be a scavenger, transporter, helper and janitor as the poverty rises in the Philippines.
Venize Amor – 13 years old
SPONSORED BY VICKI FUERSTENAU!
Venize Amor was born February 14, 2011, who is dreaming of becoming a doctor someday. She loves swimming and eating spaghetti. She also enjoys playing badminton with her friends and classmates. She was raised by her grandmother and was away with her mom who needed to work to support her schooling and other finances.
Maria’s House, Johannesburg, South Africa – 14 children
It seems all that have visited Maria’s House from our AAI family, have become her passionate supporter. Maria Gaba was mistreated and abused most of her life. She has almost no formal education. What she does have is LOVE and she gives it freely by taking care of many children who otherwise would not have survived. She created an orphanage and daycare center (or creche) in her own home. All Maria’s children feel safe and loved with her. They feel they finally have a real HOME. This woman has a heart of gold and wants all her children to have food, shelter, a good education and of course, LOVE.
Pule
SPONSORED BY LISA AND ABBY DEHART!
Prince
SPONSORED BY LISA AMANN!
Sibusiso Mashaba
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
Sibusiso was dumped at the cresh (our Daycare I started) when he was 2 months old by the mother. He was given to my late sister’s child because he was also Hiv positive, along with his father who was extremely sick that’s why the mother dumped him with us. The father was going to die soon. I took him in and cared for him. Now he’s Hiv negative and also 14 years of age in grade 6.
Sbahle Radebe
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
She was the only girl staying with her 2 uncles who abused her sexually. Her mother passed on and her grandmother rejected her and her father is unknown (not uncommon here).
During her young life she was exposed to her uncle’s friends who used drugs. She finally escaped but unfortunately from a burning house through a window since the uncle had locked her inside the house. She does need counseling because of all the trauma she went through. I’m praying we can get her through this so she can experience a normal life.
Sihle Nxumalo
SPONSORED BY VICTORIA FURMAN!
A 13 year oLd boy who arrived here when he was 8 years old he is Banele’s brother. His mother used to be abused by his father, they would drink and then end up fighting. The father was abusing the mother every day and they would fight in front of Sihle and Banele they never had a stable home they would sleep in people’s houses then leave in the morning, Sihle used to carry Banele on his back and go house to house asking for food then the police found them on the streets and bought them here.
Bonolo Mafosi
SPONSORED BY CONNIE MULLICK!
This girl was only two weeks old when her mother left her with her stepfather. Although she was not his blood daughter, he took care of her for 2 years. Then he lost his job and could no longer provide for her. He brought her to Maria. Bono is very shy but enjoys socializing when she feels safe. She has a good heart, likes to help others and wants to be a social worker when she grows up.
Junior Sibiya – 9 year old boy
SPONSORED BY CONNIE MULLICK!
Junior was only 2 when his mother left him and his three brothers. Sadly, she never returned. The boys were brought to Maria by the Metro police. Junior is very kind, enjoys participating in church and loves God. He want to be a teacher one day.
Sphelele Sibiya – 6 year old boy
Click HERE to Sponsor Sphelele!
Sphelele is Junior’s younger brother. He was 6 months old when their parents left them….locked in a shack Sphlelele is a very quiet child, never speaks unless spoken to and likes playing alone. He was abused as a small child by a lady who lived with them. If he messed himself, she would take him outside and hose him off with cold water…even in winter. Memory of his abuse sometimes creates anger issues so we try hard to let him know he is safe and loved. Sphelele wants to be a police officer.
Sifiso Klaas – 10 year old boy
SPONSORED BY MARY BETH!
Sifiso was only 8 months old when he was left with Maria – along with his two brothers. Sifiso takes life very seriously but thrives on attention. He likes to hug and feel close. He wants to be a pilot when he grows up.
Banele Sibiya – 7 year old boy
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
Banele’s mother was mentally disturbed and just left her two boys one day and never returned. The Metro police found Banile and his brother roaming the streets and brought them to Maria. Banile was only 2 years old at the time. He is a sweet child but a little short tempered. He is clever, loves school…and attention! He wants to be a police officer someday.
Thabang Khethane
Click HERE to Sponsor Thabang!
His mother was one of the Orphans who was left by her mother at a very young age. She left him when he was 2 months old for us to care for him. The mom is still alive, she’s roaming around the streets, doesn’t have a stable home, drinks a lot so when she left I took Thabang and he is 8 years old now in grade 1.
Michael Sibiya
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
He used to take care of his 3 brothers when the mother and father went drinking. One day the Metro police were wondering around when they found them, they were bought to me when he was only 7 years old. I gave them to one of the ladies who needed and wanted children. Unfortunately she also abused them in many ways, making him wash his small brother Sphelele who was 6 months old outside with a hose. I decided to take them back and provide a home for them.
Vuyelwa Ranooe
Click HERE to Sponsor Vuyelwa!
She was bought here by the police after her mother left her with a stranger in a backyard room where they were renting. She has been physically and emotionally abused by her own mother. Unfortunately her mother hated her because her father left them. She never had a stable home and never felt any mothers’ love. She’s been staying with different people and in different places, when the police got here they promised to fetch her after COVID but that never happened. Now she is with us. A problem for her is she doesn’t have a birth certificate because she’s a foreigner (Lesotho) born there as well, she’s attending school doing grade 9 and she’s clever, making me very proud of her.
Norman Klass
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
Is Sifiso’s older brother, they struggled together as they were neglected by their mother since they were young. Never having a stable home, I gave them to a lady to care for them. They were later joined by their sister, that also did not work out. I took them back to stay with me so they could have a stable home.
Abatex, Rizal, Philippines – 10 children
AAI has been helping the people of Abatex, a “village” created on a dumpsite in Rizal, Philippines for 10 years. The pandemic has been brutal for this village as they have been locked down for months with almost no ability to work, grow food, buy groceries and sustain life. The children below are the poorest of the poor and truly need your help for basic survival. Your donation will also help with their education and medical needs giving them HOPE and a brighter future!
Rheya —8 years old
SPONSORED BY Shade Ajiublu!
Rheya helps take care of her siblings while her parents try to sell vegetables. It’s difficult, low-paying work as often the vegetables are not good —and they have barely enough money to survive. Rheya dreams of becoming a nurse and helping people. You can help her dreams come true!
Keana — 7 years old
SPONSORED BY LUCIA STARLIN!
Keana is a sweet little girl who takes care of her 3 younger siblings. As the “older” child, this responsibility falls on her to be “in charge” while her mother and father are away trying to earn money. (Yes, this is HER RESPONSIBILITY AT AGE 7!!!!) Yet Keana has a positive outlook and dreams of becoming a teacher. Your help will benefit her entire family.
Neathan John Andrew A. Tamaya – 10 year old boy
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
Neathan’s father is a garbage collector, his mother is unable to work which creates an environment of extreme poverty for this child. Neathean copes by pouring his focus and passion into basketball and clinging to the hope that somehow, someone from somewhere will help him.
Princess Gimena – 11 year old girl
SPONSORED BY JAQUELINE FAUST!
This small child wanders the streets begging for food to feed herself—and her family. She carries a heavy burden for one so young. This princess truly needs a “fairy godmother (or godfather) to help her have a safe, productive, happy life. Her literacy skills are low as she needs support for her education. Her birthday is August 20th, 2009.
Shalanie Shane Cruz – 6 year old girl
SPONSORED BY HEATHER JOHNSON!
Although Shalanie was born with a speech defect, she dreams of a bright future. Her mother shares those dreams for her daughter but will need an ANGEL to help make those dreams come true. Her birthday is Oct 11. 2014.
Gerner Acebuche — 11 year old boy
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
Gerner has no parents but even so, his smile is bright. He survives with the love of his siblings and his love of basketball. He truly needs someone to “coach” him to a better life! His birthday January 12, 2010.
Kyle — 6 years old
SPONSORED BY TEDDY STARLIN!
Kyle has 2 siblings he helps care for while his mother offers manicure, pedicure services to nearby houses. Kyle is a happy kid with big dreams of helping his mother so she doesn’t have to work such long days. Unfortunately, even working as hard as she does, she makes only a few dollars a day — barely enough to survive on. Kyle wants to be a soldier when he grows up to protect his country. Sponsoring Kyle can help protect him and his family NOW!
Rhaiven Karl —7 years old
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
Rhaiven’s dad is a garbage collector. Rhaiven often goes to work with his dad to pick up garbage and try to resell it. His family is proud they are able to work but their income does not allow much more than basic survival. Your support will
have such a positive impact on the entire family! Rhaiven wants to help people feel safe when he grows up…he wants to be a policeman!
Angela —7 years old
SPONSORED BY CONNIE LURIE!
This sweet, shy little girl is SO excited to go to school. Unfortunately, she cannot go because she is not vaccinated and those in her area will be the absolute LAST to get protection from COVID 19. So Angela helps her mother — cooking, cleaning, fetching water — and dreams of becoming a doctor to help sick people in her neighborhood. Knowing someone like you cares enough to help her will truly enhance her life!
Mark Kevin — 10 years old
SPONSORED BY KATIE PETERS, VANESSA KRZESZAK, DAVE NICHOLS, AND VICKY FEELY!
Mark Kevin cannot speak or walk. His loving mother carries him everywhere which is VERY difficult living on a Dumpsite. During the rainy season, it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to carry him down the slippery hill to be able to shop for basic necessities. His neighbors help as they can. Mark NEEDS special attention, food and medical care. Your support could make his (and his mother’s ) life so much more bearable.
