A Community Based Approaches to Assist Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Luwero; Uganda-Strategies for Implementation

ABSTRACT

16.2of children in Uganda are orphans; mainly due to AIDS and civil war. The magnitude of the problem makes institutional solutions unfeasible; and methods of assisting orphans and their guardians in the community are being tested. In 2 sub-counties in Luwero district; 5;360 orphans have been identified in a total population of about 39;000. A needs assessment identified schooling; feeding; bedding; clothing; health care; and housing as highest priorities. Rather then directly paying school fees; admission of orphans to school in exchange for material assistance to the school was negotiated. This has allowed 1;200 orphans to enter school; eliminates the problem of direct cash payments; improves the quality of education for all in the school; and requires community involvement in negotiating assistance; choosing those to be assisted; and in establishing school projects to sustain0 assistance in the future. Guardian groups and individual guardians are also provided material assistance to increase the potential for income in the guardian households; rather than giving direct payments to guardians. Guardian committees and local leaders identify and certify those needing assistance most. The method requires considerable time in negotiating agreements with schools and guardians committees and in monitoring implementation of activities; but it does foster a sense of community resaponsibility from the onset