Why start Youthful Faces?
As you know, we are living in a world with great inequalities. Our total amount of wealth is increasing, and science is making significant advances every day - however a greater number of people on the planet are living in poverty with little possibility of changing their own situation.

This can be witnessed by looking at the statistics of HIV/AIDS in the continent of Africa – especially Sub-Saharan Africa. The numbers tells a story of devastation. Sub-Saharan Africa has just over 10% of the world’s population, but is home to close to two-thirds of all people living with HIV— some 25 million. In 2003 alone, an estimated 3 million people in the region became newly infected, while 2.2 million died of AIDS.

In today’s world, to create development/make a difference in some of the poorest parts of the world is not something you can do by yourself. It needs people with a will and an organized effort. This is why Youthful Faces members decided to come together and make an impact on those young faces of our next generation.

Why just children?
John Whitehead once said, “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” They are innocent but this disease knows no good or bad.

At the end of 2003 there were an estimated 15 million surviving children under the age of 18 who had lost one or both parents to AIDS. The number is expected to increase to 25 million by 2010. In 2004 alone an estimated 640,000 children under 15 became infected with HIV.

These numbers show a generation that is in dire need of help, love and hope. Children that are looking for that feeling of warmth in an atmosphere where individual differences are not accepted and mistakes are not tolerated.

How do children acquire this disease?
Children may acquire HIV during pregnancy, delivery or after birth through breastfeeding. They may also become infected with HIV through contaminated blood transfusion and/or blood products, the use of contaminated needles and syringes, and sexual abuse or exploitation.

How much does it cost to treat a child?
The monthly cost of treating a child with HIV/AIDS in Kenya is about $50. Recently in Kenya, GlaxoSmithKline licensed Cosmos Pharmaceuticals Ltd to make antiretroviral drugs containing Zidovudine and Lamivudine. With the availability of these drugs we are hoping the monthly cost will be reduced significantly.

How can we improve the life of these children?
Prevention of common childhood infections through appropriate immunization and effective management of common childhood illnesses and malnutrition can improve the quality of life of HIV infected children.

HIV counseling of children can also considerably improve quality of life, relieve suffering and assist in the practical management of illness.

How do you locate these children?
We locate them through our members in Kenya. After locating a child we seek medical advice on their condition from doctors who are working in collaboration with us. It's then that we decide how much each child needs on month basis.

What kind of help do you offer the children?
We provide Medication, Food and Education to these children. Each child's need is important to us and it's our responsibility to make sure we have fulfilled their need and they have lived a healthier life.

Is there Hope?
As we all know, optimism is the faith that leads to achievement and nothing can be done without hope or confidence. James Wekesa, is now 11 years old, he was born with the HIV/AIDS virus. However, he has been able to enjoy his childhood like any other normal child. This has only been possible because of the proper care provided to Wekesa by the children’s orphanage that adopted him after his parents died of AIDS. Wekesa was put through antiretroviral drugs, a nutritious diet, and of course he has been accorded family love. Because of all this care, Wekesa has responded well, he is active, has the best smile and he is a living proof that there is always is hope.

How can I become a member?
Membership of "Youthful Faces" is free and everyone can become a member. To become a member you are required to submit a membership form via e-mail or regular mail stating you're willing to support the objectives of our organization.

Click on Member Form to download the form from the internet

How can I become a committee member?
To become a committee member you have to be voted in by the members. Committee members have responsibility and authority for the general management and control of all the property and affairs of the organization.

Committee members are required to participate in not less than six meetings in a year.

Can I contribute without being a member?
Yes you can. As an organization we need funding from everyone members and non-members.