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Mukarabe Makinto traveled to Burundi between March 27th and April 26th 2007, visiting the countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi. The voyage was sponsored in part by West Coast MCC, MMN, Palos Verdes Baptist Church and many supporters and friends of AMAHORO INTERNATIONAL

The purpose of the trip was to
a) support Rugaba's children's home group, who had lost the roof of their house in a storm
b) strenghten the ties to existing partners in Burundi
c) identify other grass roots organizations in these 3 countries dealing with AIDS orphans
d) partner with exisiting NGO's in Burundi, Tanzania and Kenya to enhance our network

In the midst of the dire situation for AIDS orphans in Africa ( little access to education, isolation within the community, health issues and generalized poverty) Mukarabe found hope and joy amongst the orphans. In particular, Patrick, one of the Rugaba's children, stood up to the challenge in founding AJOS Association des jeunes orphelins contre le SIDA (Youth Association of Orphans against AIDS) . These young AIDS orphans have organized themselves to help other orphans cope with their situation, organizing summer camps, collecting school material and doing community work. They are now represented in 7 out of 15 provinces of Burundi and registered officially as an NGO. AMI is proud to partner with AJOS.

28151 Highridge Road, #104
Rancho Palos Verdes
CA 90275 USA
310/377-0654
amahoro@makinto.com