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Lungile Mchunu, Clive Bruzas, S’Fiso Mnguni, Eka Esu-Williams, and Tobey C. Nelson.
"Utilizing trained youth caregivers to address the needs of orphans
and vulnerable children through an in-school care and support
program in KwaZulu-Natal." (Poster no. B295)
ABSTRACT
Background
KwaZulu-Natal faces large increases in the number of orphans and
vulnerable children (OVC) due to HIV and AIDS. This study was
conducted in KwaXimba to determine the feasibility of engaging youth
to provide care and support to OVC through a school-based program.
Methods
98 volunteer youths (mean age 24) were identified and recruited
as caregivers. Caregivers underwent comprehensive training on HIV
prevention, care, and support and child rights issues. Caregivers
were asked to visit assigned primary schools four times a week for
two
hours per day over a six-month period. Qualitative and quantitative
data were collected from caregivers and learners to evaluate the
program.
Results
Activities conducted by the youth caregivers included: homework
assistance, HIV/AIDS education and child rights education,
recreational activities, psychosocial support, and community
outreach. At endline, over 75 percent of 560 learners surveyed (aged 11–15)
in the five intervention schools reported that they had participated in
program activities. Of these, 95 percent reported that following
participation they feel more accepted by their peers, and 92 percent feel
better able to protect themselves from HIV. Caregivers felt very
positive about the program and that they were doing very important
work, but lack of compensation and transportation problems were
obstacles to participation. Over the intervention period the number
of caregivers dropped from 98 to 44. Caregivers reported that they
struggled to manage all the needs of the learners.
Conclusions
Learner participation was high, and the vast majority report
positive changes as a result. Sustainability was a problem due to
financial issues and a high caregiver dropout rate. Future program
efforts need to look for ways to motivate and retain youth
caregivers. Programs should also establish links with other programs
and services to address the broader needs of the learners that youth
caregivers cannot manage, such as access to grants.
3rd South African AIDS Conference Web site
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