UNITY UNITE Is an awareness building and fundraising initiative dedicated to providing comprehensive, school-based support to orphans and vulnerable children living in HIV/AIDS-affected communities around the World. Education is the key to a child's future, but for orphans and vulnerable children, schools play a role far greater than academic learning. They serve as community resources where children can receive basic care and services - such as food programs, clean water, counseling and referrals to other local and government services.
What are the main needs of the schools and how are funds raised being used? Each UNITY UNITE school may differ in their needs, but all funds raised help support our critical school-based efforts. UNITY UNITE, along with our on the ground partners, assist each schools needs through two developmental stages. Stage 1 needs may range from the repair of a school roof to the building of a new classroom, toilet and water well system to the implementation of a feeding program.
Stage 2 needs may range from school books and resources, counselors, visiting nurses and vocational training. Even though their needs may vary the goal of the UNITY UNITE campaign remains the same to get all UNITY UNITE schools through both developmental stages of our program.
How many children attend each school?
UNITY UNITE schools can range anywhere from 50 to 900 students at a school.
How many children are affected with HIV/AIDS at each school? HIV/AIDS is clearly a significant public health threat in many parts of the world, threatening to destabilize and weaken many nations, particularly in South Africa. Although we do not have specific numbers of children infected with HIV/AIDS at the schools, we can tell you that all the children are affected by this disease in one way or another; whether it’s through the loss of one or both parents, through the stigmatization that each family faces or just the mere fact that many of these children are now forced to work to support themselves and remaining family members instead of attending school.
What can I do to help the UNITY UNITE campaign?
Sign up to become a UNITY UNITE spokesperson by organizing or sponsoring a fundraising event such as a Run, Walk, Bake or Yard Sale. Feature an article about the UNITY UNITE campaign on your website, company newsletter or school paper. Approach different groups in your community and ask them to make a contribution, sponsor an event or donate in someone else’s name.
