The need in Africa

Families are the center of life in Africa. Strong marriages and families are present in every community and have tremendous influence for good in the lives of all and especially of children and young people. Ubuntu, working together and building each other up, is central to any African home. Hence family is the only institution that can begin to cope with the numbers of people needing support because they are affected or infected by HIV and AIDS. In that sense families are more powerful than governments and international agencies. Strong family life is essential to the development of Africa.

However families face many pressures. Due to economic instability and poverty, Africa has seen the disintegration of the family structure as families migrate. Family breakdown, divorce, single parenting, child headed homes, high risk behavior among young people which is linked with unhealthy family backgrounds have become common. This is a sign that family life needs support.

The response of Family Impact

HIV and AIDS prevention strategies increasingly recognize that strong family life is more important than ever for individuals in society. A long term response to HIV and AIDS is to strengthen the families of our nations. With this in mind our programs are tailor made to be relevant to our context and to promote the significance of the spiritual dimension in everyday life and to raise the profile of God’s plan for family in all its beauty and transforming power.

Imagine what would happen if everyone in Africa from today lived by God’s plan for marriage, family and relationships. It is so glaring! HIV and AIDS would cease to be a problem.