In January, 2005, a group of concerned people in Irvine, California came together to talk about the millions of children in Africa devastated by the AIDS pandemic and how we might help. Like many Americans, we had become increasingly aware of AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children due to documentary films including "The Orphans of Nkandla," efforts of celebrity activists like Oprah Winfrey and Angelie Jolie, and the research of economists and humanitarians including Jeffrey Sachs.

While we wanted to help, we were discouraged by the fact that far too often, much of the money donated to help never reaches those in need. During this initial meeting, we agreed that we would work together to organize a grass roots, community response that would focus on supporting programs and services for children in one community. After considering our options we decided to support programs and services in the community of Nkandla, South Africa.

The Africa Project was created as an all volunteer organization governed by a Volunteer Board of Directors who manage the daily operations of the agency. As an all volunteer organization, we are able to direct the money we raise to support direct services on the ground in Africa. In addition, several board members travel, at their own expense, to Nkandla each year to assess the needs of the community, establish and maintain relationships stakeholders and service providers, and to ensure that our support is benefitting children in need.

In 2007, The Africa Project committed to supporting a lunch program for students at a rural high school in Nkandla. Another agency started the program and was not going to continue funding it. Our community joined together and raised the funds needed to sustain the program for two years. In the summer of 2009, the South African government began funding lunch programs at rural high schools.

The Africa Project continues to support Sizanani Outreach, a local non government agency's home based health care program servicing families in this vast and rural landscape. In addition, The Africa Project supports the Sizanani Children's Center, which cares for 25 to 35 orphaned, abandoned or neglected children until they placed in a caring, traditional home.

Today, The Africa Project is making a real difference in the lives of children in Nkandla, South Africa. There is so much more to do. We invite you to join us in this effort. "Together, there are so many lives we can change."

"The Africa Project is a model for other communities interested in working at a grass roots level to make a difference in Africa. In the future, we hope to partner with other community groups who wish to 'adopt' a village, a school, or even a program that serves children in Africa." Allison Hart, PhD., Board President