Our Mission:

Kidlinks World is dedicated to improving the lives of AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children in Southern Africa through increased awareness and direct connections between donors and recipients by partnering with grassroots initiatives.

Meet our Board of Directors

Our Story:

Kidlinks World, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3, non-profit organization that is based in Madison, Wisconsin and is 100% volunteer-run and donor-funded. Kidlinks has been in existence since 2004, with the mission of improving the lives of AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in Southern Africa.

We accomplish our mission by forming partnerships with grass roots initiatives that serve the children on a daily basis. We currently have five partner organizations in South Africa: Ikageng Itireleng AIDS Ministry, Leratong Preschool, Sigiya Sonke Dance Group, Ratang Bana Outreach and Soccer Program, and the Kei Mouth schools. Through these partnerships, Kidlinks is reaching over 3,000 AIDS orphans and vulnerable children.

We support each of our partners in different ways, based on their needs. Our support comes in the form of regular financial contributions, building food gardens and playgrounds, and educational assistance. In addition to Kidlinks’ assistance from the US, each year, Kidlinks members and volunteers travel to South Africa to assist our partners, strengthening our relationships and commitment.

We are able to financially support our partners through our numerous fundraising events in Madison and through the generosity of Kidlinks’ supporters. The repertoire of fundraising events is varied, including music festivals, selling South African Protea bouquets and crafts, bike rides, wine tastings, and more.
Kidlinks also promotes cultural understanding and awareness by enriching the local community with information on the socio-economic realities of Southern Africa, HIV/AIDS, and the inspiring work that is being done to help AIDS orphans and vulnerable children.

Why we work in Southern Africa:

The main reason we work in Southern Africa is because we have relationships there. We believe that having a strong relationship with our partners allows us to help the children in a more comprehensive and effective manner, as well as to provide a high level of accountability to our donors and supporters as to how their contributions are being spent.

We also work in Southern African because the need is great. The prevalence of HIV is as high as 20% in some countries, which exacerbates poverty, malnutrition, inequality and other socio-cultural factors. Children are extremely vulnerable in this environment. By 2010, South Africa alone will have more than 2.5 million AIDS orphans. These children are at an increased risk of abuse, rape, suicide, substance abuse, housing eviction and stigma, as well as a decreased ability to stay in school or to find legitimate employment. These are the challenges that Kidlinks and our partner organizations work to improve, ultimately bringing about positive change in the lives of affected children.

Gumboots is also working to change the situation in Southern Africa. Gumboots is our funding partner, based in South Africa with a branch in the UK. We work closely with Gumboots and support many of the same partners in Southern Africa. Together, we increase awareness and support to alleviate the plight of AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in Southern Africa. Learn more about Gumboots.