ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN (OVC)
Region: Arusha | Budget: $910,640 | Beneficiaries: 3000 OVC | Partners: ELCT, Orphans Foundation Fund | 5 years
Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are those who have lost one or both parents from any cause and those living with parents/guardians who are chronically ill. It is estimated that more than 12% of children in Arusha Region are vulnerable. Vulnerable children are at a high risk of being deprived of a healthy and productive life. Left behind by their parents many children often have not acquired enough skills to attain minimal levels of livelihood security.
Children drawn into adult responsibilities may leave school, affecting their ability to obtain basic education. They may also face stigma, discrimination, abuse, or exploitation. Families and communities have, and continue to provide the major support mechanism for OVC.
In Tanzania, the majority of orphans live with a surviving parent/guardian or within the extended family. This is especially evident among the Maasai communities where, traditionally, strong family ties exist. However, as families and communities are faced with increasing pressures from HIV/AIDS and poverty, traditional safety nets are weakened and demands begin to exceed available resources for care, food, income, and/or labor needs.
ADRA Tanzania, in collaboration with the Evangelical Diocese of Meru (ELCT) and the Orphans Foundation Fund (Tanzania), have identified a number of sustainable strategies to increase and improve the capacity of community based responses for the care and support of 3000 OVC in the districts of Monduli and Ngorongoro in Arusha Region. This 5-year program focuses on sensitizing communities of their responsibility in realizing the needs and protecting the rights of OVC. Participatory development of solutions through civil society initiatives to improve OVC support systems is another vital component of this program. In addition, communities will also be made aware of the factors that contribute or exacerbate the OVC situation i.e. HIV/AIDS and how they can improve this situation.
