Child-headed households
The Umoja Project supports an increasing number of child-headed households in which children as young as 12 are completely responsible for maintaining a home for themselves and younger brothers and sisters. These children need a lot of support if they are to complete their schooling. The Umoja Project assists by paying school tuitions and fees, assuring an adequate supply of food, and providing lamp kerosene for study in the evenings.
Albert, 15, and Maurine, 16, are half-brother and sister who have lived alone since their parents died a few years ago. In spite of their difficult circumstances, both are working hard for a better future! 
Albert is a very good student and hopes to become a doctor. Maurine also does well in school and dreams of traveling to other parts of the world some day.
Violet, 15, cares for the family household and land with her two sisters, niece and nephew. The sisters have been on their own since their parents’ deaths several years ago. The Umoja Project is assisting the young family to learn how to cultivate the small family farm that they have inherited.
Evelyn, 13, heads the household she has shared with her younger brother and sisters since their parents’ died many years ago. A neighbor and teacher help out as much as possible, but still the children struggle just to meet basic needs like food and bedding. Although the three younger children remain in school, Evelyn dropped out when her newborn son was born.