HORIZONS PROJECT
Assessing the Psychosocial Benefits of a Community-based Home Visitation Program for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Rwanda

Traditionally, programs for orphans and vulnerable children have focused on providing material assistance, such as school fees, food, and health care. But program managers increasingly are recognizing the importance of social and psychological services as well.

In response, the Rwanda School of Public Health, Tulane University, World Vision, and Horizons are collaborating on an intervention study to better meet the needs of youth-headed households, many of whom have been affected by HIV and AIDS. The researchers began the study by conducting focus groups with youth and adults in late 2003 and early 2004. In March 2004, they administered a baseline survey to youth heads of households who were program beneficiaries. The follow-up survey was repeated in 2006 to assess the impact of the mentorship program on their psychosocial well-being.

Key findings about youth heads of households include:

• Youth heads of households who participated in the mentorship program perceived a significant increase in adult support.
• Intervention participants reported a significant decrease in feelings of marginalization.
• Youth who did not participate in the intervention reported a significant increase in feelings of grief.
• Youth who participated in the intervention reported a significant decrease in maltreatment.
• Intervention participants reported a significant decrease in depressive symptoms.
• A higher frequency of mentor visits was associated with more positive perceptions of the mentor–youth relationship.
• Other children living in the households were minimally impacted by the mentorship program.

Key findings from program implementation:

• Making a connection between mentors and youth may take time but can be very powerful.
• Youth selection of mentors helps foster high-quality relationships.
• Some mentors will take independent action to address the needs of households.
• Ongoing motivation and capacity-building efforts are needed to empower mentors.
• Mechanisms for ensuring child and youth protection are essential.
• Negative reactions to the program need to be anticipated and countered.

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Location

Rwanda

Duration

September 2003–July 2007

Horizons and Population Council researcher

Katie Schenk

Non-Council collaborators

Jean de Dieu Bizimana, Joseph Ntaganira, Laetitia Nyirazinyoye (Rwanda School of Public Health)

Neil Boris, Lisanne Brown, Leslie Snider, Tonya R. Thurman (Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine)

Kofi Hagan, Edward Kalisa, Eleazer Nkunda (World Vision Rwanda)

Ashley Inselman (World Vision US)

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources on this project

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See Also

• Horizons Program

• HIV and AIDS

• HIV and AIDS/Consequences for Individuals, Families, and Society

• HIV and AIDS/Orphans and Vulnerable Children

• HIV and AIDS/Youth

• Transitions to Adulthood

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