Eight years ago, the Amani Children’s Foundation was created by co-founders Chad and Jane Stephens.

Now, the university is getting its own chapter, started by Margret Johnson, junior social work major.

The organization strives to serve children who have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS.

“People do a pretty good job with understanding the problem” Johnson said. “But I don’t think people understand how much it affects the children. There are such simple, tangible ways to get these babies help.”

Johnson’s idea of helping includes making the Amani jewelry the organization is famous for. The jewelry is sold, and proceeds are donated to New Life Homes, an organization providing safe shelter for abandoned babies in six different locations in Kenya.

Amani Children’s Foundation’s co-founder Jane Stephens was quoted in The Appalachian in the April 12th issue saying Johnson was in the “right place at the right time” to establish the chapter.

However, the new chapter will not be officially recognized by the university because of a full waiting-list filled with clubs waiting to be reviewed by Club Council.

Right now, the new chapter is not officially tied with Appalachian State due to a full waiting list of clubs waiting to be reviewed by club council.

“We would not be able to a fully functioning club until late October or November, and in my opinion that is too late” Johnson said. “I feel like we can do this on our own.”

The group will wait until spring semester to reapply. The Amani Children’s Foundation is planning its first meeting for Sunday, Sept. 9. The location and time will be announced on the Facebook page – Amani at ASU.

Story: KAYLEY CAMPBELL, Intern A&E Reporter