Botswana is among the countries with the highest AIDS infection rates in the world - well over 40%. African leaders, including Nelson Mandela, have made public pronouncements that sports is one of the best vehicles for providing, not only alternative acitivities for young people, but also one of the best ways of building self-esteem and developing leadership skills among Africa's youth.
Matt Loewen is presently volunteering in Botswana, under the auspices of King's Foundation (UK) as their country representative. He lives in Francistown and is working with AIDS orphans and communities trying to cope with the fallout of AIDS. His objectives are primarily accomplished through the vehicle of sports. He hosts children's sports camps; facilitates the delivery of sports instruction in schools through locally-trained adolescents; and has now initiated Sports and Leadership Training workshops, also employing local adolescents who provide the service voluntarily.
For stories about changed lives, go to: http://www.kingsfoundation.org/africa.htm
Matt has just recently returned from Uganda, where he and a team provided workshops for community leaders and sports camps for children. One of his goals is to enable local youth to become the leaders of tomorrow through his mentoring and teaching ministry. At this point he is attempting to find new sources of funding to help achieve his program's immediate and longer-term goals.
This vehicle (GiveMeaning.Com) will enable us to solicit much-needed funding in North America, where we know a great deal of empathy exists for the plight of those who suffer the ravages of AIDS, not only in Africa, but world-wide. Our focus is to be, primarily, on women and children who are suffering the negative effects of AIDS in Southern Africa.
For specific reference, check out Matt Loewen's website at: www.mattloewen.com