WORD NGO helps out children for education who have limited access to education in Namakkal District

Online, October 6, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Namakkal District in India with a population of 1.5 million is one of the most deeply affected regions of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in India both in terms of prevalence and impact. The AIDS orphans, defined as children who have lost their father/mother or both parents to HIV/AIDS before reaching the age of 15, are high in number in Namakkal District. The extended family system, which would traditionally provide support for orphans, is greatly strained in communities most affected by AIDS. When these HIV/AIDS infected /affected children are cared for by other family members, this places an added financial burden on these care givers. After their parent's death, children can lose their rights to the family land or house. The children often must shoulder responsibility for their care and that of younger siblings.

Without education, work skills or family support, children may end up living on the streets and are engaged in hazardous occupations. These children are especially vulnerable, often becoming sexually active at an early age and at risk from HIV themselves. Poverty is an overwhelming problem among them. These orphans not only lack money, but basics such as clean water, drugs, food, shelter and essential medical supplies. They do not have information about how to protect themselves, and have poor access to doctors, nurses, and other health care facilities. The needs for the children on quality education, parental/guardian support, additional nutritional support and financial support is much higher and at of utmost need. The lives of children who do not have HIV themselves are affected when family members have AIDS. Families face increased poverty and stress because adults have to leave their generous paid employment, or are too sick to farm their land. Women may be ill themselves, as well as caring for other sick family members and looking after young children. Girls in particular often become the care providers for sick relatives and their brothers and sisters. Sometimes children have to leave school to look for work or care for other family members. In addition, denial or neglect of girls' human rights results in gender discrimination, giving young women little access to socioeconomic opportunities.

WORD has undertaken various comprehensive efforts to address the developmental needs of the children from the HIV/AIDS infected and affected. WORD helps out children to enroll them in the shelter home to access quality education and health development.

WORD invites you to be part of this social initiative. You can view more on us at http://www.wordorg.net