Nazifa, 61, Tanzania

Nazifa is a widow, aged 61. She lost her husband about ten years ago and is now looking after three of her grandchildren, as her daughter died of a HIV and AIDS related illness three years ago.

The Jali Watoto project, run by our Affiliate in Tanzania, SAWAKA has offered her material and moral support to help her take care of her orphaned grandchildren. Nazifa hopes to become completely independent now she is rearing goats. (c) SAWAKA Tanzania

To strengthen Nazifa's potential to earn a living and support her household, we provided her with two female goats, which have already given birth to a total of four kids. In six months, she will repay the two goats she received by passing on two of the kids to other beneficiaries.

She said: “I find the goat rearing project very useful and sustainable because usually goats reproduce twice a year if they are looked after and cared for.

"I hope that, in four years' time, I will be able to sell some goats and use the money to buy everything I need without being dependant on external support.”

Nazifa is among thousands of Tanzanian older women who are overburdened by the increasing number of orphans and vulnerable children, left behind when their parents die of HIV and AIDS related illnesses.

Since 2012, HelpAge, in collaboration with SAWAKA in Karagwe district, has distributed a total of 594 goats, 45 piglets and 80 chickens to households caring for orphans and vulnerable children to improve their quality of life.