Mosamaria Orphans and Vulnerable Children

Mangaung

Province

The Church of the Province of Southern Africa

Diocese

Diocese of the Free State (formerly Bloemfontein) (SA)

Goal

To guide and support children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS through our Orphan and Vulnerable Children Support Groups.

Activity

Mosamaria works with 650 OVC in 9 different Support Groups in Botshabelo and Mangaung. They are children from 5 -18 years old, who have lost either one or both parents, children who are HIV positive and children living in extreme poverty who have been made vulnerable because they are either infected with HIV or live in conditions of need because they have been affected by HIV. We meet the children once a week, and successfully implement the Crossroads and Vhutshilo Peer Education programmes with these children. Our 9 well trained and committed OVC Childcare Workers visit each child’s home once every two months to assess the situation, and make referrals to specialised services where needed, like urgent illness, and sexual abuse.

Outcomes

We have 15 people who have started their own small businesses who are raising 72 OVC. Additionally, 200 relatives of OVC have started Homestead Trench Vegetable Gardens where they grow vegetables for themselves organically, with minimum use of water. They produce enough for their families to eat fresh vegetables every day, and sell the excess to generate enough money to buy staples like maize meal, and to buy electricity coupons for cooking.

Main language

English