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Orphans and Vulnerable Children - Technical Consultation
Eldis List-Serve. June 2004. Republished courtesy of Eldis.
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Author(s): Support for Analysis and Research in Africa (SARA) Project. Produced by: Support for Analysis and Research in Africa (SARA), USAID (2003). This report presents the outcomes of a consultation with researchers, policy makers and development workers to discuss responses to the needs of vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. It is intended as a practical complement to the 'Strategic Framework for the Protection, Care, and Support of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Living in a World with HIV/AIDS'.
The report summarises recent research findings, and outlines the key elements of the publications, 'Children on the Brink 2002', the 'Strategic Framework', as well as USAID strategies. It presents practical lessons gained from research and experience in providing technical and material support to meet the needs of young people affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as their families and communities, and identifies key research gaps.
Finally, the report identifies nine key lessons for policy makers, researchers, funding bodies and development organisations:
- participants identified the need for: flexible funding requirements; speedy allocation of resources; and penetration of funding all the way to the grassroots level. However, while meeting emergency needs, donors must also adopt a long-term relief perspective
- rather than build new structures, strengthen existing ones. Families and communities are at the forefront of responses and should not be replaced by institutions or external programs.
- capitalise on existing development instruments to benefit children affected by HIV/AIDS
- create synergy with efforts to eradicate poverty and protect the economic viability and food security of affected families. Community-based organisations require technical and material assistance to boost income generation, rural livelihoods, microcredit schemes, vocational training and agricultural development
- take care of the caregivers, particularly women and the elderly, by promoting their social and economic development and sexual and reproductive rights. The report also notes that calls were made for a collective sense of responsibility for children to be fostered, especially by including men in caregiving
- invest in young people. Recognise the role young people are already playing and provide them with a meaningful role in program responses. Build young people's capacities through the provision of skills, information, training, and opportunities, particularly in sectors like education, health, and agriculture
- create a multisectoral and integrated response to address the multifaceted needs of children and their families, coordinating input from the health, education, labour, finance, agriculture and planning sectors
- ensure that responses are context-specific, recognising the variety of children's circumstances
- continue to develop and share understanding of issues and lessons.
This report is available online and can be accessed via the hyperlink on the righthand side of this page
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