What is a Cluster Project?
The Cluster Project is based on the principle that children are better protected when cared for in a community setting. Each cluster works like a community.
A Cluster consists of 15 families. Each family has been touched by HIV/AIDS and each has a child under 5 years of age, who is the "intake" child.
The Cluster has a childcare worker who visits each family once a week. Acting as the group "Mom", she takes families to the medical clinic, escorts children to school, lines up counsellors when necessary, or even helps find materials to repair their tin shacks. She reports to the Program Leaders once a week.
The program is managed in South Africa by an organization called SA Cares . For more information see www.sacaresforlife.com.
The Cluster Project Provides:
All the basic needs of the family:
· Food
· Potable water
· Electricity coupons
· Clothes, furniture and household supplies
Access to:
· Counselling - many of the children have experienced unimaginable trauma, abuse and hardship, so counselling is a priority.
· Medical Clinic Care - in addition to the effects of HIV/AIDS these families suffer from the results of deplorable living conditions.
· Free Preschool - too expensive for most families, early education gives children a vastly better chance of succeeding in school later on.
How do I Sponsor a Family?
Sponsorship for one family is $100/month (USD).
You might want to consider forming a group with friends, neighbours, or co-workers to sponsor a family. Or, perhaps your church would like to support a family.
When you sponsor a family you will receive detailed information- how many family members there are, their ages, living conditions and an overview of the help they need.
You will receive a report twice a year, which will describe how the family is doing. You will be able to see the difference you are making in their lives.
100% of your contribution will go to the family. All administrative costs are borne by Sunrise and SA Cares.
Sponsorship continues, and the family remains in the Cluster Program, until the family is able to support itself, or until the "intake" child reaches Grade 12.
It is hoped that your sponsorship will continue until then, however if at any point you are unable to continue, Sunrise will ensure that your family continues to receive support.
How Sunrise is Helping One Family
The Office Staff at Sunrise has undertaken to support the family of Amahle and Asemahle, 3-year-old twin girls.
These girls live in a tin shack with their parents, who are both HIV+, and their 7 year-old-sister. They have no beds and all 
sleep on the floor. There is no electricity or running water in the house - the family shares a communal tap and toilet in the centre of the squatter camp. There is rarely any food as both parents are too ill to work and their only income is a small government grant for the twins.All three children are showing delayed development.
Their living conditions and general circumstances are similar to the rest of our cluster.
We have 14 more families who need sponsors.
Please consider joining with us to make a small difference in Africa.
