Two useful booklets for caregivers

Two new publications are available for those engaged or interested in caregiving, particularly those who have children in their care:

The first is Sarah Frost's HIV-Positive: A book for caregivers to help children cope emotionally with HIV/AIDS, sickness, sadness, stigma, death and grief - Media in Education Trust, Durban 2002.

This booklet, produced by the Media in Education Trust in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, aims to equip caregivers with useful skills to empower children affected by HIV/AIDS. Its focus is primarily on helping children to deal with painful feelings.

It tackles attitudes towards HIV/AIDS - exploring how caregivers can help change attitudes towards the disease. It guides caregivers in identifying children who need help; it also suggests ways in which caregivers can help children with little or no self-confidence, and how they can help children comes to terms with sickness and death.

The booklet suggests activities and games through which the caregivers can teach children new coping skills. A strong emphasis is placed on telling stories as a means of helping children learn to express and come to terms with feelings of loss, anger and sadness. There is also a chapter for the caregiver, suggesting ways in which s/he can find support in dealing with the trauma of her work. Basic facts about HIV/AIDS are provided, plus a list of useful contact numbers in the field of childcare.

The booklet is illustrated and has been translated into isiZulu. A leaflet for parents is being developed which will eventually accompany the booklet. For more information, contact Sarah Frost on 082 429 2076.

The second booklet is Noreen Ramsden's Community help for children living in an HIV+ World: Bringing hope to orphaned children Chidlren's Rights Centre, Durban 2002

This new booklet is a very accessible handbook for people looking after orphaned children. It addresses children's needs as they face the sickness and death of loved ones, and offers strategies for helping children to recover from grief.

It also provides sound information and advice on a wide range of practical needs related to securing documents from the Department of Home Affairs and applying for grants to help support children.

The booklet is written in the context of the HIV/AIDS crisis, but gives guidance for meeting the needs of children, however they become orphaned. It includes a list of contacts and community-based resources on HIV/AIDS.

There are limited numbers of the booklet available from the Children's Rights Centre. Telephone (031) 307 6075 or e-mail [email protected]