It's been a long journey, but Sawo is confident that she has found her mission.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The young children attend the center's on-site preschool, while Sawo pays school fees for the older children.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Now, the center is surviving through monthly donations from Hope Span, a U.S.-based nonprofit, and Sawo's sheer determination.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

But Sawo, assisted by seven staff members as well as some of her own children, provides food, medical care and schooling.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Sawo said the most important thing she gives them is motherly love.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Someday, Sawo said, she hopes to offer foster care housing, primary and secondary school and a vocational training center for children and adults.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Sawo doesn't have room for all the children who have been affected by HIV and AIDS in her community, so she also supports about 50 children who live with a parent or grandparent.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS