Orphan and Vulnerable Children Programme

The Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Project implements and facilitates Novalis Ubuntu Programs in five Children Homes and Care and Places of Safety Centers:

• Heatherdale Children's Home in Athlone
• SOS Childrens’ Village in Thornton
• SOS Outreach Program in Nyanga
• St Georges’ Home for Girls in Wynberg and
• Place of Blessing in Nyanga

The aim of the project is to support children and adolescents who are orphaned, vulnerable or abandoned as a result of poverty, abuse or from the high incidents of death due to HIV/AIDS in their communities.

In South Africa there is no benefit available for unemployed people living with AIDS. People living with AIDS can only access a grant once their CD 4 count is 200 by which time they are too sick to care for their children.

Traditionally, family members would look after orphaned and abandoned children. Although government policy encourages this type of care, the social and financial climate at present makes this increasingly difficult. Child headed households are increasing daily.

• Training to educators in reproductive health and the dissemination of information on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
• Mentoring programs for children and youth
• Empowerment training and further education opportunities for Care Givers at the institutions.
• The introduction of sports, dance and drumming
• Career guidance
• Networking with government, NGO's and civil society

Target Groups

The program is divide into five categories:

• Children aged 8-12
• Adolescents
• Care Givers and Grandmothers
• Food Gardens
• Child Headed Households

Food Gardens are to be implemented at the Care Homes to not only enhance the environment but to also educate children and adults alike on environmental and healthier lifestyles.