Namibia has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. As the numbers of adults succumbing to the disease increases, a growing number of orphans and vulnerable children are left to the care of relatives or, with growing frequency, left to fend for themselves. Many AIDS orphans live in poverty and lack the means to attend school. Without an education, they have little or no chance of ever escaping destitution. The sense of hopelessness, as well as the existence of economic pressures to provide sex in exchange for food, place these children at high risk of becoming infected themselves and being conduits to further the epidemic’s spread.

USAID has supported the Namibian government’s policy development efforts through assistance to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Child Welfare. This national level support is complemented by helping faith-based organizations and other non-governmental organizations at the local level. For instance, through Catholic AIDS Action’s ‘Schooled for Success’ program, orphans are matched with trained volunteers who offer advocacy and other support to ensure school attendance and access to basic services.