Welcome

Francis

Francis, his father, and three sisters live in their family's homestead not far from the village of Ngora.  We met Francis when he was 4 years old and soon came to understand that he and his siblings, Helen, Agnes, Josephine, and Evelyn, had lost their mother to AIDS.  Helen, the eldest, has since become surrogate mother to her younger siblings making it difficult for her to attend school.  It is a story that is all too common in families In Africa who have lost parents to AIDS, and not only results in older children having to become caregivers, but also oftentimes leaves them without education that teaches the skills necessary for the family's optimal survival.  

Emmanuel

Emmanuel, an exceptionally bright and creative little boy, is an example of the brilliant mind and sharp wit that is found so often in the 'wizened-by-circumstance' African child.  When asked what it is that he would wish for, if given one wish, Emmanuel's immediate response is, "I wish to go to school", followed quickly thereafter with an impish grin and, "I want to have a bicycle!".  It is Illume's hope that Emmanuel, and other gifted children like him, can benefit from the support of those who choose to make a difference in young, vulnerable lives by honoring innocent, hope-filled wishes for futures that are bright and secure.  

Grace

Grace with the shining smile is truly as her name invokes.  She is petite, quiet, soft spoken and the first child that caught the eye of Illume.  We first met Grace when she was just thirteen years old.  Thin, shy and living with her auntie in the village, we soon came to realize that her parents, Moses and Rose, were buried in the yard of the house in which she resided.  Grace is growing to be a beautiful young woman however, like countless other young women who have been orphaned in Africa, she is dependent on others to support her unless and until there are resources provided to help her manage her own life.  Grace is at the age where she needs funding to allow for her attendance at a technical school or college.  By doing so, she not only learns to sustain her own life, but can also provide for her younger siblings, Emmanuel and Dorcas, thus lessening the burden on aging adults who oftentimes find themselves caring for numerous children of friends and relatives left behind by the ravages of AIDS.

Clementine

Just as the song says, Clementine is indeed a "darling", as are all the children we find on our journeys to Africa.  She is typical of the young child who hasn't a voice, yet her needs are clearly understood when one visits her country, her people, and her village.  Not much is necessary to explain in order to grasp the urgency for response to needs of these children.  There is found, however, quiet dignity and absolute beauty that is intrinsic to these brave, small souls of Africa.  Their faces shine with joy and anticipation that is relative to their circumstances but also filled with hope that someone, someday will lift them from the never-ending cycle of loss and despair known only to a child that has lost parents that hold them most dear.