The Ark Foundation has recently published a new book which incorporates more than 20 years of experience working with orphans and vulnerable children in East Africa. These strategies are outlined in Rhoi Wangila’s first book, written in collaboration with Dr. Chinua Akukwe, an adjunct professor of both global health and community/preventative health at the George Washington University School of Public Health.

The power and impact of Wangila’s work has evolved through her firm belief in two primary principles.  First, that to truly transform individuals or communities, any assistance must be a long-term investment geared towards self-sustainability. And second, that neither exorbitant funding nor benevolence alone are enough to effect change, but that these resources must be combined with and take into account the voices, needs and experiences of those one is aiming to serve.  As a 17-year old Kenyan orphan explains in the book: 

 "My father died at a tender age of 30, when I was just five years old. To this day, the impact of his death is extremely severe in my life. I moved from one relative to another, which left me with scars that will never heal. While I am happy living with my grandmother now, I have missed years of school. I would like to go to school regardless of my age, but grandma cannot afford to pay. Society must listen to our concerns. We are equal partners in this fight, but we are labeled victims.”   

The book, based on years of the ARK Foundation's dedication to these principles, is an invaluable, unique contribution to the dialogue about the complex societal realities surrounding AIDS, particularly for orphans and grandparents.  It is a resource of tested approaches from the ARK Foundation's experience.  The book is true to the values and focus of Wangila’s approach, teaching these important lessons through the compelling stories of the AIDS orphans and grandparents whose lives and communities have been transformed by ARK’s work. 

In the words of one grandmother, "This is not a job you would wish on anybody... Being there for my grandchildren was and has been my motivation. The biggest challenge is that my grandchildren came to me from different backgrounds from their own parents. I had to adjust...alone; it’s a journey I could not have managed.”

 

Order your copy of this book now! All proceeds go to support a grandmother and her grandchildren.