Mentor Orphans Africa is non-governmental, not for profit organization that was established to help support orphaned and vulnerable children access basic needs i.e. better health services, education, and shelter among others. MOA fosters a dignified and protected life for children who have fallen victim to the scourge of poverty, solitude and are at the risk of HIV/AIDS. We aim at restoring hope and lobby opportunities for OVC in Uganda by equipping them with the necessary survival skills and knowledge.

 With the population of Uganda estimated at 35.4 million persons and population growth rate of 3.2 percent per annum with over 70% youth; the country is immensely affected by over-dependence, which stifles development (UBOS, 2007). As a result the well being of such a population is affected through problems of poverty, low resource base that puts significant pressure on the delivery of basic social services, particularly to children; demand for food, healthcare and education services is growing while access to education and healthcare services at the community level remains limited more so in the rural areas where this project seeks to be initiated. Primary school retention remains a challenge for the Government due to high dropout rates. Consequently, the transition rate from primary to secondary and tertiary levels has been low and very few children are now likely to complete primary and continue to higher levels of education.

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 The Orphans and Vulnerable Children Situation Analysis Report, 2009 estimated that nearly half (48%) of all Ugandan orphans are a result of HIV/AIDS. Up to 43% of all children (7.3 million) live in moderately vulnerable situation, while 8% (1.3 million) live in critically vulnerable situation. Approximately 14% of children in Uganda below 18 years of age are orphans, among which 20% of them are aged 6–17 years.

 

 HIV/AIDS has over time been noted as one of the major factors that has orphaned children living them hopeless and helpless with little or no support to sustain and provide them with basic needs.

Ugandan communities have traditionally absorbed orphans within the extended family system.  MOA is seeking to stand in the gap by providing information, psycho social support, education, accommodation and medical care to some of these children.