Orphan Care Programs in Africa
For nearly three decades, Bread and Water for Africa® has been helping orphans across sub-Saharan Africa through holistic support programs. Partnering with trusted local organizations, we provide food, shelter, healthcare, and education to orphaned and vulnerable children. More than meeting basic needs, we empower children with the love, guidance, and tools they need to build brighter futures.
Challenges Orphans Face in Africa
ub-Saharan Africa faces a significant orphan crisis, with 11.5 million children orphaned by AIDS-related causes in 2020, according to UNICEF. These children represent 35% of all orphans globally. In addition, millions more are orphaned due to conflict, poverty, and other diseases, leaving them vulnerable to immense challenges, including:
Lack of Basic Needs
Many orphans struggle to access essentials like food, clean water, and healthcare.
Barriers to Education
Financial and logistical difficulties often prevent orphaned children from attending school, limiting their future opportunities.
Increased Vulnerability
Without a stable support system, orphans face a higher risk of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.
Emotional Trauma
The loss of parents leaves many children with deep psychological wounds and ongoing challenges.
Bread and Water for Africa® is dedicated to help orphans in Africa by addressing critical challenges and providing holistic care. Our programs empower orphaned children with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
Our Orphan Care Programs
Bread and Water for Africa® partners with trusted, community-based organizations to provide holistic support to orphaned and vulnerable children across Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Basic Necessities
Nutritious meals, safe shelter, and healthcare.
Education and Life Skills
Access to schools, academic support, and vocational training.
Emotional Support
Counseling and a family-like environment that fosters confidence and hope.
By addressing not just immediate needs but also long-term empowerment, our programs help children break the cycle of poverty and create brighter futures.
Real Stories
Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Center (Zambia)
A transformative space for children like Mumba, who, with Kabwata’s support, pursued higher education and graduated with a degree in Environmental Health Sciences.
Watoto Wa Africa (Tanzania)
Supporting young people like Margaret, who overcame significant challenges and is now preparing for higher education. Watoto Wa Africa provides the stability and resources to help youth transition into self-reliance.
Lerato Children’s Village (Zimbabwe)
Offering trauma-informed care and life skills training for children like Akashinga, who recovered from a difficult past and embraced opportunities for growth and success.
OUR IMPACT IN 2025
In 2025, our Orphan Care Program supported 448 orphaned and abandoned children across three countries:
Zambia: 139 children
Tanzania: 284 children
Zimbabwe: 25 children
Your contribution can be the turning point for a child’s future. By choosing to donate to orphans in Africa, you become a part of a compassionate community dedicated to creating opportunities and building brighter tomorrows. Your generosity ensures these children have the resources and support they need to thrive, from education to a nurturing home environment. Together, we can provide hope and a pathway to a better life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Orphan Care Program provide for children?
The program offers holistic support, including nutritious meals, safe shelter, healthcare, education, and counseling. This comprehensive approach ensures children thrive in a nurturing and loving environment.
Where does the Orphan Care Program operate?
Our program supports children in Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Uganda through partnerships with orphanages like the Lewa Children’s Home, Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Center, Watoto Wa Africa, Kyasira Home of Hope, and Lerato Children’s Village.
Why is education an important part of the program?
Education empowers children to break the cycle of poverty. By providing access to quality education and life skills training, we help children unlock their potential and build brighter futures.
How can I stay updated on the impact of my donation?
We regularly share updates, success stories, and program highlights to show how your contributions make a difference. Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news.
Can I dedicate my donation to honor or remember someone?
Yes, you can make a tribute donation in honor or memory of a loved one. Visit our donation page for more details on how to set up a dedication.
What is the best way to help orphans in Africa?
Making a monthly donation is one of the best ways to help orphans in Africa. Your consistent contributions ensure ongoing care, education, and resources for children in need, while also supporting long-term projects and sustainability.
How does Bread and Water for Africa® ensure donations are used effectively?
We work directly with our partner organizations to ensure that every dollar goes toward providing essential care, education, and resources for the children who need it most.
Latest News/Blogs
Sustainable Water, Sustainable Orphan Care: The Carilino Project
The Carilino Orphanage, located in the Mont-Ngafula commune of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and operated by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Bergamo, takes in orphaned and vulnerable children, providing them with a safe and...
Lute’s Journey from Orphaned Newborn to ‘Beacon of Hope’ for Those ‘Sisters’ and ‘Brothers’ Under Her Care Today
In 1998, the organization that would become Bread and Water for Africa® awarded a grant of $5,000 to the Kabwata Transit Centre (later the Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre) in Lusaka, Zambia, upon the request of its founder, Angela Miyanda, who had formed a...
‘Thank You for Helping Us All’ Says 9-Year-Old Orphan Rehema from the Watoto Wa Africa Orphanage in Tanzania
In Mwanza, Tanzania, just a couple of years ago the Watoto Wa Africa (WWA – Children of Africa) orphanage which then housed nearly 100 orphaned and abandoned children and youth was on the verge of being forced to close by the government due to its financial...
How to Help Orphans in Africa
While many organizations that help orphans in Africa work to address critical issues like clean water, healthcare, poverty, and education, millions of children remain highly vulnerable. When there is so much to do, it can seem like a long-enduring uphill battle. We...
Transforming Lives: Orphan Care Programs in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania Empowering Abandoned and Orphaned Children and Youth
At Bread and Water for Africa®, nothing fills our hearts with joy more than seeing the smiling faces of orphaned, abandoned and other vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa who have found loving homes where, thanks to our supporters, they are sheltered and fed,...
Generous Supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® Enable 485 Children and Youth to Live Happy, Fulfilling Lives on Path to Adulthood in 2024
In 2024, Bread and Water for Africa® was able to provide support to a total of 485 orphaned, abandoned and destitute children and youth under 18 in four sub-Saharan African countries either living in orphanages and children’s homes, or through an outreach foster care...