The home-based care programme in Westbury currently serves 150 children and youth who have been affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This number will hopefully increase to 200, depending on the approval of the Department of Social Development as 50 additional children are already cared for, but not given access to the food support. Children from surrounding squatter camps such as Kathrada (Newclare) and Slovo Park are included in the programme.
This programme serves to provide a holistic service, including physical, emotional, educational, social and recreational services to desperately poor children infected or affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
SERVICES
- Food is delivered daily to their homes or aftercare facilities
- The children participate in recreational and educational activities such as after-school homework programmes, or holiday clubs.
- Home visits are conducted weekly to all the families in the programme.
- Healthcare includes visits to local clinics and supervision of medication.
- Therapy includes bereavement counselling and life skills training.
- Parties and outings form part of our services, which we offer as and when the opportunity presents itself.
BENEFICIARIES
Beneficiaries range from 0 – 18 years of age and all of them have been affected or infected with HIV/AIDS. Beneficiaries older than 18 years include students in various tertiary institutions.
- Some have been orphaned, some live with terminally ill parents and some share the little resources that a grandmother can give.
- Many children over 18 are still attending school. They stay on the programme until they complete their schooling.
- AKB assists school leavers that are qualified to do tertiary studies to access funding. Other school leavers are assisted where possible with access to work.
