Africa's Children-Africa's Future
Africa's Children-Africa's Future (AC-AF) was founded in 2006 and was recognized as a registered charity in 2009. The organization conducted programming in Canada and Tanzania to encourage the empowerment of children and youth in response to the various challenges posed by the AIDS pandemic. AC-AF's programming offered grassroots responses and sustainable solutions to build, strengthen and support community resources. Due to significant reforms in funding opportunities, the organization was forced to close its doors in 2014. Organizational structure. Governance. AC-AF was governed by a board of directors . The board had varying roles throughout the organization's lifespan from advising to engaging directly in fundraising and programme management. Operations. Day-to-day operations in Tanzania and Canada were overseen by an Executive Director. The Executive Director reported directly to the Board of Directors. The Tanzanian team was overseen by a Country Supervisor. A Programme Manager reported to the Country Supervisor. Junior Project Officers and volunteers reported to the Programme Manager. The Canadian team was staffed by interns and volunteers who reported to the Executive Director. Programming. AC-AF's programming reached an incredibly wide audience. The organization assisted  approximately 8000 children and youth. It primarily worked with orphans and vulnerable children in Tanzania. Orphans and Vulnerable Children Program. The Orphans and Vulnerable Children Support Programme (OVCSP) was a holistic, rights based framework that aimed to secure a better future for children affected by AIDS. AC-AF emphasized the direct link between children affected by AIDS and structural inequities and systemic challenges that must be overcome for lasting change to occur. AC-AF's approach involved weekly group meetings for participants, individual and family meetings, and coordination with relevant institutions (e.g. schools). The programme had six main elements that  all children and youth enrolled in programming participated in: Homework Club. A range of activities were used to encourage a better understanding of topics taught in school, as well as to enhance students' English skills. The Homework Club looked to go beyond traditional teaching methods found in the schools by providing a safe and stimulating environment in which to learn. It exposed the children to new ideas and ways of learning that helped them understand the concepts they were learning in school and develop their creativity. Activities included: This programme also included the development of a small library to include  fiction (in English and Swahili), non-fiction, and a collection of primary school textbooks for all year groups. The availability of textbooks within the AC-AF library allowed participants (including OVCSP participants) to have direct access to them, which they otherwise would not have had. u+me=we. u+me=we was an education and awareness programme that empowered children and youth to actively engage in the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. It included 3 specifically tailored workshops and used art to allow participants to creatively learn and express their ideas and reactions. Working through schools, community centres and other  groups serving vulnerable children, AC-AF provided a safe environment where children could ask the questions that they otherwise found too embarrassing to ask. In Tanzania, Workshop 1 & 2 involved two intensive workshops that provided information about HIV and AIDS. Information was comprehensive and was based on the prevalence of HIV in Tanzania and the daily impact on the community. Topics covered included: Workshop 3 involved expression through art. AC-AF introduced the participants to a u+me=we art project, which gave them an opportunity to express their opinions and share these expressions with youth around the world. This  workshop allowed for a reflection of cultural influence in our understanding of the disease. The artwork that children and youth provided in these workshops was then used to create awareness on a local and global scale. In Canada, this programme was largely the same structure, although also included a section on global inequities and their impact on children and youth. Over the course of the organization's life it conducted over 300 workshops. Additionally, u+me=we programming focused on general outreach and awareness about HIV and AIDS to the greater community. This was achieved through exhibitions and showcases of  artwork that participants completed. The largest awareness event was the Walk the Truth Gala Event at the National Art Gallery of Canada during Ottawa Fashion Week 2011 which featured talent from fashion, art and entertainment during a charitable fundraiser. World AIDS Day events. AC-AF volunteers and staff conducted several World AIDS Day (WAD) Activities in Canada and Tanzania. In Canada, the most visible event was fundraising at TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) stations. This fundraising helped cover the organization's operating budget, while also increasing awareness of the organization's mandate and work. In Tanzania, WAD events were held annually  for children, youth and the greater community. The days were filled with arts-based outreach and awareness performances and activities that highlighted components of u+me=we initiatives. Funders. AC-AF achieved its success due to the generous donations from individuals, corporations as well as foundations and organizations. The granting institutions included: Closure. AC-AF's Board of Directors announced its closure at the end of 2014, thanking all of their stakeholders. "AC-AF is deeply disappointed by the fact that it cannot continue, but, is comforted by the knowledge that its programming has helped participants build a foundation  for their future endeavors and assisted in developing the skills necessary to succeed. The hard work, dedication and commitment of the entire AC-AF family are celebrated. AC-AF is incredibly thankful and proud of the tremendous belief in- and support of- AC-AF's mission. Together we have made a real difference in the lives of many."