Despite their deepening poverty, many narrators describe attempts to help the less fortunate in their communities, especially those who have lost parents or partners to AIDS.
Grace explains in some detail how they help the widows and orphans in her village. She also mentions the support the radio station has given people like her, who are trying to educate their community about HIV and AIDS and the importance of testing.
Ruth is not optimistic about the future for many orphaned children. Warren tells how sometimes elderly women are left looking after many young children, and how he tried to help one such grandmother.
Mirriam looks after five grandchildren and an adult son with AIDS. She had to put her “own life on hold” to care for him at first, but says her neighbours “help in whatever way possible”.
Sara, an elderly widow with no relatives, describes how different members of the community help her to survive.