15 Jun 2023

Cultural differences in communicating

Avocado, a banana and coffee make up breakfast this morning fortifying us before a days of meetings with the Boyebi team. I have the task of reviewing how to properly fill out reports so that we can obtain the quantitative and qualitative data we need in order to determine if their projects are viable and truly helping the vulnerable and poor. Their projects are a tailoring shop, a haircutting place and a community garden. Each of the projects has the focus of providing training and work to people infected and/or affected by AIDS and to those who are raising AIDS orphans. A goal for each of our partners is [...]

13 Jun 2023

How much longer to arrive at Gemena?

I sit at a guesthouse in Zongo, waiting for Mandaba to hire taxis that will take us to Gemena for a week of work with AFCA staff there. This place is familiar to me, having done lots of waiting in the past, even though I have yet to sleep here. It is safe and quiet behind the gate, so I lean back in the wooden chair and settle in for however long this process will take today. Jetlag graciously allowed for three hours of sleep last night, so I plan on doing some snoozing while I wait.Before sleep even thinks of arriving, the gate swings open and two motorcycles slip [...]

12 Jun 2023

Checkmate

We have finally crossed the river to Zongo, DRCongo! It is so, so hot and humid right now and the sun is shining very brightly. You know what is hard to get here? Sunscreen! This girl has hers packed in a box...yes, the box that didn't arrive with the rest of my luggage. How three identical plastic totes got separated between Paris and Bangui, I will never know. But, for the first time in all the years I have been coming to this corner of the world, a piece of luggage has gone missing (hopefully, temporarily). We are sitting at customs by the So go River on the DRCongo side [...]

8 Jun 2023

The adventure begins….

The adventure begins....making.my way to Africa for the summer. Made it to the check-in counter to be faced by three gentlemen who all say I do not have a ticket from France to Central African Republic. "Interesting", I say, as I present them with my printed ticket. Surely, SURELY, I can have one trip with no negatives along the way, right? Currently, I am waiting for someone to help me, as all three men suddenly are busy with other things. Am hoping one of them will return with good news! UPDATE: an hour and a half later, I am told that yes! I have ticket and yes! I have [...]

10 May 2023

How Gardens improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS

Gardens are a lifeline for those living with AIDS in the D.R. Congo, providing them with vital resources and hope. The American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA) has found that supporting sustainable gardens is an effective way to improve the lives of people living in extreme poverty who have been infected or affected by HIV/AIDS Here are 7 ways gardens help create livelihoods and choices for those living with AIDS in D.R Congo: Gardens provide a sustainable source of nutrition, which is critical for people living with HIV/AIDS who have weakened immune systems or limited access to foods that are rich in nutrients. Gardens offer an opportunity for [...]

18 Apr 2023

AFCA announces an appeal to fund gardens in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The American Foundation for Children with AIDs (AFCA) calls on the global community to join in this urgent appeal and help us build gardens in the Democratic Republic of Congo. AFCA has set the goal of raising $16,730.00 to meet its commitment to building life-saving gardens in the area of Gemena. These gardens will provide much-needed nutrition for children affected by HIV/AIDS so they can take their medications and create a safe environment to learn, play and grow. Most importantly, the gardens create sustainable livelihoods that alleviate extreme poverty for the entire community. AFCA is requesting monetary donations to help fund gardens in the area and to ensure that [...]

22 Feb 2023

Made in Zimbabwe: Brands we’ve tried and love

Zimbabwe is home to some great food brands that are perfect for the adventurous eater. We've tried them all and we're loving them! Here's a list of our favorites. From hot sauces to the best squishy white bread, these brands will make you want to get on the next flight to Harare. So go ahead and explore Zimbabwe through its food! You won't be disappointed! Here's a list of our top 10 must-try Zimbabwean brand snacks and treats. Sun Jam Sun Jam Sweet Orange Marmalade is a classic jam made with sweet oranges handpicked in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe. It is sweet and tangy and perfect for spreading [...]

8 Feb 2023

Season 2: Episode 10: Back from D.R. Congo

Listen on: AnchorFM / Spotify / iTunes Podcast Homepage In this podcast episode, Tanya and Jen come together to discuss Tanya's trip to D.R. Congo.The American foundation for Children with AIDS helps to support children and caregivers who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Our work with program partners includes medical, educational support as well as helping communities to implement sustainability and livelihood projects.

11 Jan 2023

Season 2: Episode 9: Tanya Preps for D.R. Congo

Listen on: AnchorFM / Spotify / iTunes Podcast Homepage Listen in this week as Tanya and Jen connect to talk about how Tanya preps to do program visits in the D.R. Congo. To learn more about how you can help children with AIDS and to learn more about the work of the American Foundation for Children with AIDS, please visit our website at www.afcaids.org

22 Dec 2022

Season 2: Episode 8 Chasing Peace with Kevin and Kiki Part 2

Listen on: AnchorFM / Spotify / iTunes Podcast Homepage Jen sits with volunteers Kevin and Kiki for the second half of the episode where the 3 discuss their experiences before, during and after having gone to Zimbabwe with the American Foundation for Children with AIDS's Vacation with a Purpose program.

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