Developing a faith-based intervention strategy to empower HIV/AIDS orphaned children in Monze Urban, Zambia

Abstract

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a significant negative effect on children, creating a global catastrophe of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in many afflicted regions. The increasing prevalence of orphaned children in Monze, Zambia particularly due to the impact of HIV/AIDS, poses a significant social challenge. HIV/AIDS orphans experience a variety of difficulties, including social stigma, psychological, emotions and disruptions of family structures. This investigated the state of emotional wellbeing, community responses and aspiration of HIV/AIDS Orphaned Children in Monze. It also explored the state of social structures and indicators of community perception of HIV/AIDS orphaned children in Monze, Zambia. While there are some government and other NGOs response to the plight of the orphans, there is no visible and organized response to the challenges of the orphans by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the city The used mixed research method of quantitative and quantitative to collect data from the orphans, caregivers, community social workers and church Seventh-day Adventist leaders. Significant findings revealed that about 55% of the HIV/AIDS orphaned children are cared for by their grandmothers. About 60% of the respondents reported that many HIV/AIDS orphaned children in Monze are on the streets for survival. A significant 95% of the respondents feel that their churches in Monze are not friendly or caring toward HIV/AIDS orphaned children. And 70% indicated that they have experienced stigma related to their HIV/AIDS status. 50% feel unsupported by the community members It also found that 65% feel depressed due to their situation relating the profound toll of being orphaned and living with the stigma of HIV/AIDS. While 60% indicated they received some counselling, another 60% think faith-based organization responses could help them in their situation. A good percentage desired education, financial assistance and skill development. It recommended that faith-based organizations like the Seventh-day Adventist church in partnership with NGOS can build community programmes aim to build social systems that support the wellbeing and potential of orphaned children, community engagement focusing on the communication skills and the values of emotional support by caregivers and the society and continued exploration of the role of literacy in perceptions of the wider community regarding Orphaned Vulnerable Children and collaborate with the government of Zambia to strengthen its response to the care and support of orphans and vulnerable children through the Multi-Sectoral Response on Orphans and Vulnerable Children. It is further recommended that the Faith-based organizations like the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in partnership with NGOs should design appropriate support programmes such counselling, educational support, skill acquisition schemes and also involve the children on the planning about their future.