AIDS orphans get computers thanks to Guernsey

A Guernsey charity that helps tens of thousands of orphans and widows whose lives have been devastated by AIDS, has been donated 40 computers by a local company to help their education.

The Medical Specialist Group has provided the computers for The Tumaini Fund, which helps orphans in Tanzania by providing clothes and mosquito nets to families who have been affected by AIDS.

They also run a child sponsorship programme to feed, clothe and educate AIDS orphans.

A 2007 study found nearly 1.5 million people living with AIDS in Tanzania, and in that year alone 96,000 people died of the disease.

The computers will help the Fund in its continuing support of secondary schools in Tanzania.

Chairman of The Tumaini Fund, Dr Susan Wilson, said they are "extremely grateful" for the computers, which are destined for students who have never before had access to a computer.

Dr Wilson said: "This will have a dramatic impact on their learning and communication opportunities."

She added that: "We are slowly but surely helping to lift these people out of poverty through education, so these computers are invaluable in our steps towards this goal."

The cost of secondary school education in Tanzania is too high for many families but The Tumaini Fund have made it possible for 8,200 children to attend.

Dr Steve Evans, Chariman of the Medical Specialist Group, said: "Education is so important for these children and this is a charity we are delighted to be involved with". (from CTV)