RUSIGA BIHEMWIRE, age 10 - Rusiga was orphaned in 2002 at the age of 6. Her mother passed away of suspected malaria only 10 months before her father passed away. Shortly after her mother died, her father joined the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Army, where he died in the Civil War. Rusiga is now under the care of the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Trust in Uganda.
HOPE KICONCO, age 12 -Hope became an orphan only just recently. In 2001, her mother died of AIDS, and in 2004, her father died of AIDS. At her new guardian’s home, Hope has taken on the responsibility of many of the domestic duties. As a result, she has missed many days of schooling; however, with financial assistance, she will miss far fewer days of school. Hope likes the subjects of art, reading, and agriculture, and knows that with greater opportunities, she will excel in many more subjects. AOF is proud to be funding such a dedicated student.
VICTORIA SAIDI, age 17 - When Victoria was only 11 years old, her mother died. Sadly, three years later her father died as well. Because she had no one else to turn to, she lived on her own until finally, her grandmother was able to take her in. Victoria stayed with her grandmother for a few years until she left to live with her Aunt. It was then that Victoria passed her National Examination, which would allow her to continue on to Secondary School; however, she had no way of paying for Secondary School. This year she will start her first year of Secondary School. She hopes to continue on to University and eventually become a doctor. Victoria is the third young woman we are funding in Tanzania. We have every confidence that she will be brilliant in whatever she chooses to pursue.
