How long has Fingerprints Across Africa been in existence? The state of Colorado recognized our incorporation as a non-profit organization as of February 1, 2011.
Why are Income Generating Activities (IGA's) necessary? Income Generating Activities (IGAs) are necessary to create local sustainability for each project. We also work with individuals so that they can be self-supportive and providing them with dignity and hope. In turn, widows can provide for their children, older orphans can take care of their younger siblings, and the legacy of hope is built.
What does at-risk mean? At-risk refers to the inability to adequately care for oneself including food, security, protection from danger, and economic earning power. In Africa, over 1/2 of the population is under the age of 20, and 40% of these are orphans. Those without caregivers are at high risk of neglect, abuse, malnutrition, and being sold into trafficking or forced into an early marriage (as young as 9 years of age). For women, many do not receive even an elementary school education as all schooling requires money for school fees. Therefore, when they are widowed or abandoned with their HIV+ status, they are left penniless and without a means to support themselves or their children.
Why are there so many orphans and widows in Africa? The HIV/AIDs pandemic has played a major role in creating orphans and widows. Other diseases, such as malaria, along with poor medical services contribute to the problem.
Is child trafficking a problem in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe? Yes. See our posts on Rhonda's Blog regarding relevant articles. Zimbabwe has the highest rate in all sub-Saharan Africa of child trafficking. Primarily the orphans are targeted, especially those in child-headed households. Increasingly, in urban cities like Harare, many are trafficked into brothels.
Why build orphan family homes rather than large orphanages? Many African governments dislike institutional orphanages because they take children out of their home communities, rob them of possible inheritance rights, and raise them in an artificial environment devoid of their culture. Family orphan homes, such as the House of Promise, keep the children in their home community so they retain their inheritance rights and culture. Since a maximum of 10 children are placed in each home, they receive more parental attention and are better prepared to enter society.
Why should I give to Fingerprints Across Africa? Fingerprints Across Africa is dedicated to empowering at-risk women and children to give them hope for their futures. Your donations make life-changing impact upon those at-risk that Fingerprints Across Africa works with. Every child enrolled in a Fingerprints Across Africa project is less likely to be carried off into child trafficking because the children are supervised by care providers.
How do I give to Fingerprints Across Africa? We accept donations online. Electronic funds transfer from checking or savings, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Just click our “Gift Catalog & Donate” tab and complete the easy to follow instructions. You can also mail donations to:
Fingerprints Across Africa 3830 Lake Street Lake Charles, LA 70607
How can I help Fingerprints Across Africa aside from giving money? One way is through your social networks. Another way would be in the way of donated or discounted supplies (i.e. design and production of promotional materials, office supplies, office equipment, etc.). There will be opportunities to participate in team projects – contact us if you would be interested!
