From shared loss to shared strength

How ACT’s work impacts sibling children

“I sustain myself with the love of family”

– Maya Angelou

Celebrating siblings and strengthening families

For many women in the countries where ACT is working in Africa, losing a husband prematurely is not only a deep personal tragedy, but also brings significant economic hardship to the family. The loss of the family breadwinner means his widow is left to shoulder the burden of providing for their children all by herself. In most, if not in all the countries of Africa, the concept of social security or state support is non-existent. The loss of their father deeply affects the children, who must come to terms with the absence of a parent at a young age. In such times, siblings become a vital source of comfort and strength for another— sharing their grief, offering mutual support, and forming powerful emotional bonds that help them navigate through the challenges together.

On Thursday, 10 April, we celebrated World Siblings Day— a timely reminder of the importance of sibling bonds, which in many cases often become our longest-lasting relationships. At the African Child Trust (ACT), we understand the profound role that family plays, especially in times of loss and hardship. That’s why since our formation in 1998, and in line with our mission, ACT has been educating disadvantaged children from women-led households and empowering widows to reach their full potential. We are committed not just to transforming disadvantaged individual lives, but also to uplift entire family households. By empowering a widowed mother with resources to generate income for her family, and supporting one or two of her children, we are helping to build a stronger, more stable future for the entire family.

The power of a sibling’s love

In Burkina Faso, 11-year-old Isidore and his 9-year-old brother, Evariste, lost their father to illness in 2019, six years ago. Their mother, Téné, worked hard to support them by selling pagne—a bright, decorative fabric often worn in West Africa—but her income was barely enough to meet their basic needs, particularly in a country facing political instability and economic hardship. Since ACT began supporting the family their situation has improved dramatically. The brothers were able to move from an overcrowded public school to a much better private school closer home, where they benefit from smaller class sizes and a better learning environment.

ACT not only covered their school fees but also provided food support, lifting a heavy burden from their mother’s shoulders. Today, Isidore and Evariste attend school without fear of being turned away and are thriving in their studies, grateful for the hope ACT has brought into their lives.

Supporting siblings, strengthening futures

In Uganda, 24-year-old twins Andrew and Phionah lost their father to HIV/AIDS and were raised by their mother alone. As a peasant farmer, she struggled to afford their school fees. ACT stepped in when the children were only just starting primary school, and provided school tuition, supplies, and regular food support. The family was grateful that both children could be supported together— ensuring that one did not fall behind the other. Their bond as twins gave them strength during difficult times. ACT’s intervention has helped them a great deal as they move forward together. Phionah is currently working towards a certificate in cookery, while Andrew is about to complete a diploma in hotel management and catering. Their future is full of promise because of ACT’s commitment to supporting the siblings and their family.

ACT is for the people otherwise forgotten

At ACT, we believe that supporting the education of one child can transform a life—but supporting siblings and empowering a mother goes much further to transforming an entire family. With your help, we can continue to keep children in school, support widows in their efforts to rebuild, and nurture the powerful bonds that hold families together.

If you’ve been inspired by these stories and would like to make a difference. Together, we can create many more stories of hope, resilience, and family strength. Please click here to sponsor a child or make a donation.