Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #592  -  Meaningful Involvement of Orphans & Other Vulnerable Children (OVC) as Part of the Solution
Session:
  6.99: Posters A (Poster) on Monday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Mr Alfred Chisomo Chapomba - Consol Homes Orphan Care, Malawi
 
  Additional Authors:   
Aim:
Addressing Psychosocial problems of children affected by AIDS especially OVC through active and meaningful involvement in issues affecting them.
 
Method / Issue:
This abstract addresses the following issues: .Effects of stress & depression, loss of self worthiness & confidence .Children struggling with adjustment due to multiple changes of caregivers .High school drop out due to luck of peer support .Adults thinking & planning for children without soliciting their views. .OVC being viewed as idle recipients of aid and not a partnering resource in solving their problems Background to the Project: Consol Homes (CHOC) was formed in March 2000 with one community childcare center, 63 children under 7 volunteers covering 3 villages has grown to 72 childcare centers, 14,460 children under 350 volunteers covering 241 villages. One of the most outstanding aspects of the program is the active and meaningful involvement of children (OVC) in planning and daily running of activities through a concept called Orphan Affairs Unit (OAU) which is the center of discussion in this abstract. The OAU Concept: Based on the principles of the magic circle in Psychosocial Care where one has freedom of expression without being judgmental to others, the first OAU composed of OVC aged 10-18 years was formed in July 2001 with an elected child president & village child representatives called MPs which independently conduct meetings in parliament fashion. Services: .Through group processes conduct peer problem sharing and solving sessions .Providing social support for HIV+ sick & bereaved peers .Carry out community self-help projects - repairing houses for the elderly & chronically ill persons besides building childcare centers .Identifying and recommending most needy OVC amongst themselves for special assistance. .Conducting community awareness campaigns on Child rights, HIV/AIDS, care for OVC, Health & sanitation, Education and Dangers of drug & alcohol abuse. .Planning in program activities with program management
 
Results / Comments:
.Has helped children to discover their talents e.g. leadership skills and creativity .Childrens voice heard by decision makers .Has helped strengthen peer support .Enhanced child participation in decision making processes .Has helped build resilience in children and hence able to easily adjust to change of caregivers. .Built confidence and responsibility in children .Reduced number of school drop out OVC through peer to peer support & encouragement .Childrens involvement in delinquent activities minimized .Community appreciation of role of children in community development. Children regarded as stakeholders in matters affecting them .Government recognition of childrens participation - provided for integration of childrens views in the National OVC Policy & OVC plan of action
 
Discussion:
Lessons learned: .Involvement of key players - Traditional leaders, has led to acceptance of child involvement in community based activities .Children are innovative & capable of finding solutions to their problems & take action if given a conducive environment. .For an intervention like OAU to succeed, affected people are the best to work as volunteers. .For program responsiveness and relevance, OVC are more of a resource than a liability waiting for sympathetic charity being key partners in programming .OVC involvement is key for solving psychosocial problems
 
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