President's Corner

by Carl Gann

Dear Friend,

Over the many times I have visited our schools in Tanzania, I have talked with a lot of orphan kids. Although most have had to live with a relative such as a grandmother, or a kind neighbor, some come to us from the street, being homeless. Their comments to me are that they feel safe at our schools. Safety for young boys and girls is a real physical and psychological need! Sub‑Saharan Africa remains the region with the highest number of orphaned children in the world, with UNICEF estimating over 50 million orphans in the region—driven largely by poverty, disease, and conflict. According to UNICEF’s 2025 estimates, three‑quarters of the world’s 13.8 million children orphaned due to AIDS live in sub‑Saharan Africa, highlighting the magnitude of the crisis. Our work in Tanzania is in sub-Saharan Africa.

     Beyond disease, orphaned children also face heightened risks of exploitation including child labor, trafficking, and early marriage, with many lacking the family protection that shields children from predatory situations. Without guardians to advocate for their rights, orphaned children can be pushed into unsafe work, coerced into exploitative relationships, or forced into hazardous living conditions. Another major safety concern lies in the profound lack of stable access to food, shelter, and healthcare. For countless orphans, malnutrition and homelessness are daily realities. Ensuring physical safety therefore requires not only immediate aid, such as food, shelter, and medical care, but also long‑term investments in education and social protection programs to address systemic inequalities.

    AIDS relief efforts in sub‑Saharan Africa have supported 13 million orphaned and vulnerable children and protected 10.3 million girls from sexual abuse, illustrating how robust support systems can significantly reduce risks. However, despite these gains, danger remains acute: one in ten African children is an orphan, and one in five girls under 18 experiences rape or sexual assault. These statistics underscore the continued urgency for strong, sustainable safety measures.  

     Living in an Orphans Africa dormitory is a wonderful reprieve from these dangers. Safety, security, food, clean water, sanitation, friends, and an education restore and guide a life into independence, health and dignity. Thank you for supporting this valuable work with Orphans Africa!

Carl Gann

OA Volunteer President