Giving Hope: Empowerment pilot project for orphans and vulnerable children in Siaya District, Kenya
Young Women's Christian Association - Kenya (YWCA-Kenya)
Some 570 young people ages 12 to 25--in 114 households--in Siaya district who have become the caregivers for their HIV-positive parents, grandparents, or younger siblings are taking part in the Church World Service-supported Giving Hope program for Orphans and Vulnerable Children.
The project will be located in Karapul sub-location of Siaya district, Nyanza Province of Kenya, which has an estimated population of 29,275 people, most of whom have been adversely affected or infected with HIV/AIDS.
The goal of the Giving Hope program is to restore family relationships and help create social structures that will enable the children to gain strength to positively continue with their lives, including going to school. All 570 of the young people will be trained in HIV education and supported to creatively nurture their talents and gifts.
The pilot program will seek to build the capacity of the 114 households to increase their food security through changes such as the growing of small kitchen gardens. Vocational training will also be stressed, along with psycho-social support and access to advocacy networks.
The program also helps to reinforce the capacity of church and related organizations in their efforts to empower children affected by HIV/AIDS.
In addition to Kenya, the Church World Service Giving Hope program supports projects for orphans and vulnerable children who are affected by HIV/AIDS in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Support from individuals, the St. Marys United Methodist Church Foundation, and other U.S. foundations for Church World Service help make this program possible.
Updated 3/11/2008
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