OVC

The Orphans and vulnerable children programme has been running since 2005. In this programme children are supported  with infant formula, fortified porridge, school support and free medical care. Many of them have lost one or both parents and a few are included because of their vulnerable circumstances such as having a parent with mental illness, a teenage mom as a parent, or being in a child-headed household due to absence of the parents. All of the newly included OVC will be nominated by the chief or the community and then assessed by a social worker for eligibility.

All OVCs are being taken care of by relatives or community members within their own communities. Orphans and their guardians are taking part in the goat pass-on program, backyard vegetable production and beekeeping to improve their nutritional and economic status. (see ”sustainable livelihoods programme” for more information)

Currently,  500 orphans are enrolled in the programme. About 250 are going to primary school and 30 are in secondary school.