There are 38.6 million people living with HIV (UNAIDS, 2006). There are currently an estimated 14 million children under the age of 15 who have lost one or both parents to AIDS. By 2010, this number is expected to exceed 25 million (UNICEF, HIV/AIDS, and Children, 2006). In Sub-Saharan Africa, 11 million children under the age of 15 have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Evidence of the impact of this crisis is clearly seen in children as young as 10-12 years becoming heads of families, and taking up parenting roles before their time (Nyambedha, Wandibba and Hansen, 2003). Upon the death of their mother, children lose their primary caregiver and basic needs of children may be left unmet. In Africa, these children are heading up their own households and often drop out of school, go to work, or look after siblings (UNICEF, HIV/AIDS, and Children, 2006). In Kenya, 6.7% of adults have HIV. There are a growing number of orphans since an estimated 150,000 Kenyans die annually due to HIV/AIDS (NACC, 2005). The Daraja Children’s Project – Kenya (DCP), an Indiana University student-based organization, seeks to provide a dependable bridge between (local and international) donors and programs to support vulnerable children in Kenya.
Co-Founder and co-director: Philemon Yebei
Co-director: Meghann Beer
Secretary: Erica Weyer
Treasurer: Sarah Wilcox
Co-Founder and Executive member: Violet Naanyu Yebei
Member representative: Chris Gilg
Member representative: Arianne Hollub
2007 Faculty Sponsor: Michael Reece
Webmaster: Emily Meanwell
