"My name is Tamunoibiomi Fiberesima. I am 38 years old, a primary school teacher and a mother of six. My younger brother is very sick. He lost his wife 3 years ago, leaving behind an only daughter who is now under my care."

Tamunoibiomi is one of the 800 caregivers participating in Africare's HIV/AIDS care and support program in Rivers State in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger delta basin. The state has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the country as a result of rapid urbanization and the pull on migrant workers by its capital, Port Harcourt, the heart of the oil industry. The epidemic has devastated many families by claiming their breadwinners and leaving behind a growing number of orphans. As elsewhere on the continent, children orphaned by HIV/AIDS are most often looked after by the extended family. But these caregivers generally lack the resources to support the health, educational and social needs of the orphans in their care.

For 800 orphans and their caregivers targeted to benefit from this project in 4 local government areas in the state-Eleme, Khana, Obio/Akpor and Okrika-there is hope. With support from CEDPA/USAID, Africare's Enhanced Care of Orphans project is ensuring that the life aspirations of these unfortunate orphans are not terminated. "The project has provided all the necessary school materials and fees for the continuation of (my niece's) education," says an elated Tamunoibiomi, "relieving me of the extra responsibility…. at this difficult time in the country."

Since the project began early in 2000, 458 school-age orphans have benefited from educational support while 35 older orphans are receiving vocational training. Toddlers are not left out either: seven of them have been provided with suitable didactic toys. Additionally, all orphans have access to free clinical consultations and simple diagnostic investigations at healthcare centers.

While this direct support to orphans has been given only on an emergency basis, Africare is looking more closely towards the future. With the project soon to come to an end, caregivers like Tamunoibiomi are receiving training on generating income and managing small businesses. These participatory training sessions stress record keeping, business promotion and banking procedures. Afterwards the project will supply micro-credit to help each participating caregiver start up a small business or to expand an already established one. It is hoped that the additional income generated by these caregivers will enable them to continue the upkeep of the orphans long after the project's lifespan.

Tamunoibiomi is very excited about this part of the project. "The additional funds (will help) to support the petty trading I do on foodstuff," she says. In truth she is looking forward to only a few extra dollars a day, but in the Niger delta where poverty is rife, even that can make a world of difference in the lives of a schoolteacher and her little orphaned niece.