Mavambo Orphan Care (MOC) is a non-profit organization established in 2001 in Zimbabwe. MOC started receiving funding and capacity building from PEPFAR through USAID in 2003.
Our mission is to empower children to develop their maximum potential by supporting them to become socially adjusted, self-sustaining, healthy responsible citizens. We work in the Harare, Goromonzi, and Chitungwiza districts.
When the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe first started, many pregnant women living with HIV were transmitting HIV to their babies because HIV treatment was not yet available in the country. Children born with HIV to HIV-positive mothers had delayed developmental milestones. This affected their education, health, and social lives. Caregivers living with HIV dropped out of work due to poor health, resulting in weak livelihoods. Children living with HIV missed school due to illness from opportunistic diseases, discrimination, and taking care of sick parents.
Now, care and support for people living with HIV and other affected people has improved dramatically in Zimbabwe. Many affected children and their families have been enrolled in programs to help them cope with the effects of HIV. MOC programs target groups that are more susceptible to acquiring HIV, including children, adolescents, youth, and key populations to help with sustaining HIV care and treatment, improving economic resilience and disclosure, and reducing stigma among affected communities.
Caption: Adolescent mothers who took part in a baking course enjoying their products. Credit: Tichafa Mubvuyiwa/Mavambo Orphan Care
In the past 20 years, MOC’s role in responding to the HIV epidemic has gradually shifted from focusing on how the affected members of the communities are cared for, to building the capacities of the same communities to identify and refer people living with HIV for treatment. MOC’s work has also targeted communities to reduce stigma and discrimination, encourage disclosure, and incorporate those affected into economic strengthening programs.
One key program is a community apprenticeship opportunity that targets adolescents and youth living with HIV. More than 2,000 adolescents and youth have completed the apprenticeship program.
Through the inclusive apprenticeship program, girls are encouraged to enter male-dominated fields like welding, carpentry, building, and mechanics. The community apprenticeship model gives an opportunity to youth who have dropped out of school, adolescents who are sexually exploited, and adolescent mothers to showcase their hard earned skills and talents.
Caption: Breaking barriers, an adolescent mother practicing her acquired building skill in a male dominated arena. Credit: Tichafa Mubvuyiwa/Mavambo Orphan Care
Our fondest memory is when 15 young welders were recruited to work on a giant lithium mine construction project. They had a great opportunity to work on heavy-duty industrial equipment and tools, gain vast experiences, and earn a decent income for their households.
Since 2015, our programs have also been more focused on disability inclusion and actively supporting persons with disabilities. We partner with the government and other organizations, working as a collaborative unit to accomplish tasks like finding rehabilitation equipment and utilizing referrals in order to identify children with disabilities. It is a whole community effort to provide services for persons with disabilities and HIV.
Mavambo Orphan Care, Zimbabwe
Years as a USAID/PEPFAR partner: 20