Unfortunately, children are sometimes taken away from their parents due to various reasons. These reasons can include poverty, death, old age and alcohol abuse among others. Caregivers often take on the role of a parent after a child is taken away from an unfit parent. However, one area that would really cripple the ability of a caregiver is HIV/AIDS.

A study in Namibia has shown that foster parents oftentimes get insufficient funds to ensure continued care and quality lives of their wards. They need more than just a monthly grant- the costs of living are very high. They also do not cover other costs like rent, telephone, electricity and water. Foster parents receive $29 to be able to feed the kids in their care.

Though Namibia’s constitution guarantees free education, schools in Rehoboth charge a fee for essentials like toilet paper, paint, classrooms, and for books. The school’s development fund charges US$21 per pupil, which can be cut into the monthly grant she receives. The school insists there is no cost difference between the two funds.