September 2001

A Success Story in Namibia

At its meeting in Atlanta, the church’s HIV/AIDS Commission heard from Casey Lintern (All Saints, Beverly Hills, CA) and Earl Grout (St. Stephen’s, Seattle) about Catholic AIDS Action, a Roman Catholic organization that is fighting AIDS effectively in the vastness of Namibia.

“Advocating CAA to our own Episcopal community is based on several factors that we find compelling,” Casey said. Namibia has the world’s third highest HIV infection rate (20%) and the absolute highest percentage of AIDS orphans. Mentioning CAA’s “demonstrated excellence in serving people affected by HIV/AIDS,” Earl added, “The fact that the Episcopal Church does not yet have a national response to AIDS in Africa was also a consideration in support for this ministry.”

Founded in 1998 by Sr. Raphaela Haendler, M.D., CAA simply, but uniquely, overlaid a balanced network of services on the wide-reaching infrastructure of the Roman Catholic church, which includes about a quarter of Namibians. Trained volunteers deliver services through 91 parishes, 15 hospitals, and 37 schools and hostels. To reinforce their work CAA holds national conferences to promote (1) acceptance of the infected and (2) public discussion of AIDS.

Episcopalians in Seattle have funded two annual grants for CAA’s orphan program, and, Earl said, “We have found CAA to be a model of effectiveness,” citing:

  • Services. Home health care services are balanced by education and prevention programs that cover safe sex. The spiritual and emotional needs of sufferers and their families are addressed, as are the needs of the many orphans. CAA serves everyone, regardless of religion.
  • Management. CAA runs a lean, decentralized organization that delivers service through volunteers rather than supporting infrastructure.
  • Financial accountability. CAA provides audited financial statements and careful budgets that detail the funding needs of each program.
  • Accessibility. CAA is available through e-mail, fax, and phone.

Casey and Earl emphasized that CAA offers a way to respond to AIDS in Africa right now that can show results.

After the meeting in Atlanta, Casey and Earl met with the Rt. Rev. Shihala Hamupembe, the Anglican Bishop of Namibia, and his assistant.

He needs $25,000 to expand the Anglican AIDS hospital, St. Mary’s, in northern Namibia. The bishop signaled his interest in working with CAA to build programs in Anglican parishes.

Namibia is twice the size of California, but with slightly under 2 million people. No other U.S. churches are active there. Because of its relatively small population, major international donors tend to bypass Namibia. Money we send will make a noticeable difference.

CAA has recently begun partnering with the sizable Lutheran Church in Namibia. This offers an opportunity for U.S. efforts through the new Episcopal—Lutheran connection.

Casey and Earl also discussed Deep Roots, a “virtual” charity founded by Casey and two Peace Corps friends in 1999. Deep Roots funds scholarships to help Namibian teens, particularly girls, finish secondary school. Education is vital to their survival and to Namibia’s economic future.

What the Commission heard was: Don’t give up on Africa. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and through effective programs like Catholic AIDS Action and Deep Roots, we can deliver a tangible benefit to them. They in turn will be a blessing to us.

Learn more about CAA and Deep Roots through their websites (CAA-Namibia.org and Deeproots.org) or by contacting Casey (casey_lintern@yahoo.com) or Earl (eargro@safeco.com).