CEDAR continues supporting a program entitled “Empowering children and families infected and affected by HIV” which started in 2004. The program aims at empowering children infected and affected by HIV through the provision of basic services and life skills in three suburbs of Mutare urban district (Dangamvura, Sakubva and Chikanga) of Manicaland Province. The program is targeting OVC and their guardians.

Objectives         

• To capacitate church congregations to provide care and support to 50 children in difficult circumstances by having:

• 50 children provided with basic services (access to education, nutrition support, access to treatment and psycho social support

• 50 children and 20 grandparents accessing life skills and spiritual support from the network of coordinating churches

• 40 families involved in micro credit schemes/ internal saving and lending

Critical achievements so far (both output and outcome level)

A total of 170 children were reached through psychosocial activities which include Saturday Kids club session and support group sessions which were facilitated in partnership with Hope for Life. 50 children were reached through the educational assistance. 12 Monthly grandmothers’ support group meetings were conducted. 40 guardians participated in Internal Saving and Lending Activities (ISAL). 30 guardians were coached to develop group business master plan and it is hoped in 2016 the guardians will participate in a group business in addition to ISAL activities.

Project Outcome

• Holistic child development fostered for the children under care due continued support for the same beneficiaries for a period of over 10 years.

• The project promoted a family concept for the sponsored children as there is continued support for a child. As the children meet in their clubs a sense of belonging is fostered. The children have grown   to give each other peer to peer support even in times of bereavement.

• Volunteer caregivers adopting the role of parents to children. In return the project registered a school retention rate of 98%. 5 children are at university level, 2 graduating end of 2016, while 2 children will be proceeding to university in 2016.

• ISAL has improved the quality of life for the members of households participating. As an addition on to ISAL members are developing a group business master plan which should lead to an active group business by end of 2016. There has been an increase in the number of meals from 2 to 3 meals per day in the households of guardians participating in ISAL. As an addition on to ISAL activities, Kubatsirana ISAL group has introduced a grocery club in order to increase their buying power through bargaining.