Abstract : There is an urgent need for programs to be established to support the growing number of orphans in countries severely affected by AIDS. Most orphans are being cared for by extended families under difficult circumstances. Few descriptions of community-based orphan support programs exist. The authors describe one such program established in Zimbabwe in 1993. 25 volunteers identified 300 orphan households. During 1 year, volunteers made 1725 home visits and 123 households received an average of $11 in material support or school fees. In 292 orphan households there were 702 orphans, 14.7% of children under 15 years in the area. The rate of parental deaths was increasing, with 3.5% of households in the area having a parental death in 1994. 45% of caregivers were grandparents and 33% of caregivers were over 60 years. 3% of orphans were cared for by adolescent siblings. The poorest orphan households were those in receipt of school fees, with out-of-school children, or with an older sibling as caregiver. Community members initiated activities to help orphans. The program described is targeted, effective, and replicable. Community-based organizations such as local churches and women's groups can be mobilized to administer programs which provide support to the poorest orphan households. (author's)
Notes : English
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