Hand in Hand - breaking the cycle of poverty

Hand in Hand is a sponsorship program that supports the most desperate and vulnerable children and the inspiring people who care for them. Our model enables the children to live with dignity by growing up in their local community. Some children are lucky enough to have a living parent, although often sick, but many are cared for by grandmothers, neighbours and relatives. This enables the children to grow up in caring homes, attend their local schools, have better nutrition and remain connected with their community. Our model is internationally recognised as the best way to care for orphan and vulnerable children.

Sponsorship provides the children with access to food, shelter, education, medical care, grief counselling and HIV/AIDS education. As the children grow they also participate in a range of programs designed to improve their confidence and lifeskills, encouraging them to take advantage of the special opportunities available through the Hand in Hand program. Opportunities like the chance to finish school, gain vocational skills and find safe employment.

The carers participate in programs to enhance their parenting skills and ability to provide for the children and their families. Many caregivers participate in a community savings group. This is a new initiative which involves groups of 20 caregivers working together to save money and pursue business opportunities.  Due to the great success of these groups, we are currently expanding the sponsorship program to involve at least one caregiver or beneficiary from each household in a community group of this kind.

Hope for Children Australia began as a private initiative.  Since its beginning, the majority of the work has been carried out by our dedicated and generous volunteers, including doctors, designers, lawyers, accountants and students.  All funds raised by Hope for Children Australia will go directly to a project to benefit a community in Ethiopia.

If you would like of help or want more information about Hope for Children’s programs, please send us your details or contact us at mail@hopeforchildren.org.au.