Kidz Clubs Reveal Kids’ Needs
CHILD HEADED FAMILY (*Children’s names have been changed to protect their identities)
The “Hope worldwide” humanitarian and development organization changed its name in November 2008 in South Africa to the “Olive Leaf Foundation”. The United States government branches of USAID and PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) support the Olive Leaf to assist orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) in communities heavily affected by HIV and AIDS.
OVC often experience the loss of their loved ones, education and childhood. The Olive Leaf created “Kidz Clubs” as a safe place and space for children to enjoy playing and learning, while facing AIDS that plays a role in their lives.
Olive Leaf staff met 15-year-old Ntombifuthi* at their Soweto Kidz Club that meets at the Chiawelo Clinic. A friend had invited the shy girl to attend a meeting. The Club coordinator decided to investigate her family circumstances. The coordinator visited Ntombifuthi’s* home and learned that the girl lived with her mother and six other siblings in a tiny four-room house.
Ntombifuthi’s* mother was terminally ill with AIDS and was also pregnant. She didn’t have a job, so sold liquor to neighbours in an effort to secure some funds for her family. The family was living in abject poverty, suffering from mild to severe malnutrition and with minimal and torn clothes to wear.
During counseling, the mother expressed her fear of death and anxiety for her children she was going to leave behind when she passed on. The mother faced an added burden because her 16-year-old daughter, Busi*, was pregnant.
The Olive Leaf supported the family in every possible way: home care and counseling of the mother; counseling the children; nutritious food supplies, plus the provision of clothing and shoes.
Ntombifuthi’s* mother passed away in December 2007, leaving behind her six month old baby boy, her pregnant daughter and six other children. The eldest son disappeared after the death of their mother and cannot be located. The extended family wanted nothing to do with the children.
The Olive Leaf intensified their involvement with the children after their mother’s death. In 2008, Olive Leaf staff assisted Busi* with funds and the cumbersome process of applying for an identity document from the Department of Home Affairs. When Busi* receives her ID, she will be able apply for a foster care grant for her siblings and a child care grant for her baby.
South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper published a story about the family’s plight that generated financial, nutritional and clothing donations. The extended family threatened to throw Busi*, her siblings and the babies out of the house, so the Olive Leaf referred Busi to the Department of Social Development who assisted her with inheritance rights.
The Olive Leaf helped Busi* to open a bank account and taught the teenage mother to compile a budget to ensure meeting the family’s basic needs. The children bought and use a mobile phone to simplify communication with the family.
In 2008, the children were adopted by the Community Child Care Forum. Olive Branch staff continues visiting the children and providing services as needs arise.
As part of South Africa’s national Heritage Day activities in September 2008, the Olive Leaf’s Men as Partners program collaborated with various government and community organizations to expose OVC needs and issues. The campaign raised awareness and advocacy for a supportive environment for OVCs in the communities. Children, guardians and community residents attended the campaign, as well as local government representatives and partner organizations. All present heard important messages about HIV counseling and testing, prevention, care and support. Men were encouraged to become constructive role models and help address challenges facing OVC.
