Children of Our Villages is a non-profit organization which aims to empower disadvantaged youth in villages threatened by HIV/AIDS. Through life-skills and filmmaking workshops, these children will gain a stronger sense of identity and ownership by creating inspiring stories they want to share with the world. By giving their films a place in mainstream entertainment, we enrich our own learning, compassion, and enjoyment of our children everywhere. Our goal is to expand the programs with children across the globe. Children of Our Villages aims to give all orphaned and at-risk youth a voice and a platform to create.
Why Filmmaking?
In a demographic affected by HIV/AIDS, where life seems so fleeting and uncertain, Children of Our Villages hopes that documenting the children’s lives through pictures and films would give their lives more permanence. We saw the children who were left parentless due to HIV/AIDS and thought: Who is taking their picture at each birthday? Who is keeping a history of their precious lives, and documenting the milestones in their lives, so that they can look back and be inspired by their own journey. Film and TV has grown globally, and even a few homes in the small village of Witvlei had access to programming from Hollywood and abroad. With the internet and technological advances, the possibilities for the entertainment industry to have an impact in developing villages, in bringing our world together, and giving children a voice everywhere expands each day!
Why Filmmaking?
In a demographic affected by HIV/AIDS, where life seems so fleeting and uncertain, Children of Our Villages hopes that documenting the children’s lives through pictures and films would give their lives more permanence. We saw the children who were left parentless due to HIV/AIDS and thought: Who is taking their picture at each birthday? Who is keeping a history of their precious lives, and documenting the milestones in their lives, so that they can look back and be inspired by their own journey. Film and TV has grown globally, and even a few homes in the small village of Witvlei had access to programming from Hollywood and abroad. With the internet and technological advances, the possibilities for the entertainment industry to have an impact in developing villages, in bringing our world together, and giving children a voice everywhere expands each day!
THE MISSION
- Children of Our Villages builds a global exchange among filmmakers who believe in the healing power of creativity and self-realization.
- Children of Our Villages calls the world to action through screenings, interactive media, and fundraisers.
- Children of Our Villages connects our children all over the world with one another, sharing their stories, films, and concepts for progress via the internet, festival and conferences.
- Children of Our Villages aims to improve the quality of life of children affected by HIV/AIDS through entertainment mediums.
- Children of Our Villages opens dialogue and awareness concerning the orphan crisis in our world.
- Children of Our Villages films empower the youth to have a strong voice within their communities and worldwide by exploring issues of identity, ownership, and full self-expression.
- Children of Our Villages utilizes knowledge and contacts to create lucrative possibilities for the children by promoting their films in Hollywood and abroad.
FACTS:
- Almost 20% of Namibia’s population is infected with HIV/AIDS
- About 128,000 Namibian children have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS
- 17,000 Namibian children are living with HIV