A local woman’s efforts to reunite her family has developed into a benefit program designed to help bring orphans from Africa to Mississippi.

Thandi Zulu, a local resident, says she is working to reunite her family.

Zulu, the mother of a 7-year-old boy, said her goal is to bring nine of her young relatives to the United States.

“I’m just trying to help my nieces and nephews,” Zulu, who has lived in the United States for eight years, said. “Since I have been here I have lost four siblings and they have left nine orphans.”

On Sept. 11, 2001, Zula said, her 28-year-old brother, who was the father of two children, died.

Then, on Dec. 9, 2002, Zulu said, her 32-year-old sister died in childbirth. The sister already had three children ages 7, 9 and 11.

Zulu said her elder sister, who had five children between the ages of 5 and 21, got lung cancer and died on Feb. 6, 2003.

Then, on April 12 of this year, Zulu said, her 33-year-old younger sister, who was taking care of the family children, died of pneumonia.

Zulu said her parents are trying to help take care of the younger children who were unable to rear themselves. However, her father has had a stroke and needs help himself.

“He’s still sick himself,” she explains. “He’s still learning how to talk.

“The children in junior school stay with my father. The ones in high school are living with my deceased sister’s friend,” Zulu says as she wipes the tears from her eyes. “They really need somebody. I never expected to have to do this.”

Zulu, who has gone back to Africa periodically to assist with the children, said she wants them to come live with her in America.

“I’ve been helping and supporting them by sending them money and clothes,” she said, adding that she needs assistance.

Zulu said in lieu of giving herself a 40th birthday party, she has decided to conduct a fundraising dinner at 4:30 p.m. June 21 at the Laurelwood Club House located at 3017 Old Amy Road in Laurel.

Zulu said the proceeds from the June 21 event will benefit nine orphan children of the Zulu Family.