OVC Project

In 2009, Topsy made the decision to change the name of this Project from Orphan Care Development Project, to Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Project.  Whilst we have been working with orphaned, as well as vulnerable children for many years, this was not representative in the name of the Project. Sadly, South Africa has one of the world’s highest HIV and AIDS infection rates and with so many people living without access to proper medical treatment and a suitable standard of nutritional intake, many continue to succumb to the disease. When adults who have been part of the Home-Based Care Project pass away, their children are placed with family members with the assistance of the government. These family members very often have the best intentions, but unfortunately are unable to care for orphans in an already economically-stretched household. Faced with this problem, Topsy started the Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Project. This project focuses on offering the relevant assistance to families or community members who have taken in orphaned children, empowering the family to cope with the many challenges that the situation will require them to face. To participate in the project, a family needs to have on hand the death certificate of the child's mother, and the birth certificate of the child.  The combined monthly household income should total less than R680 per child, which ensures that only the most needy families receive this critical support.  Topsy's social workers are often required to assist participating families to obtain the relevant documentation and they make weekly visits to determine the needs of the new families.  Support group discussion forums address common problems experienced by foster families.   Free medical care is offered, as well as assistance with education. Furthermore, with the assistance of Topsy’s trained vegetable gardener, participating families are required to develop their own vegetable gardens to supplement the food packs they will receive. This participation is key to buy-in of the project.