South Africa

Goal: to support Primary Caregivers (grandparents and elder relatives who have to take care of orphaned children in their families) in their healing from the loss of their family members. Other wise, if these Primary Caregivers do not receive healing from the traumas they have faced, they will struggle to care for others.

Brief description: In Africa’s most vulnerable communities an entire generation of parents has passed away. Children and the elderly visibly comprise the majority of the population. Orphaned children are being cared for by their grandparents or older relatives (Primary Caregivers). Many of these Primary Caregivers have lost their family members to HIV/AIDS, and are infected themselves. Hands at Work strives to provide Primary Caregivers with psychological support, to care for them as they care for others.

Support is provided in various ways:

• Caregiver Days: One day each month, Primary Caregivers are invited to come together to share their stories and challenges.

• Holy Home Visits: Hands at Work Volunteers visit the most vulnerable families in each community helping to create a loving relationship of trust between themselves, the Primary Caregiver, and the child.

• Life Centres can be another place for Primary Caregivers to connect with Care Workers, build friendships, and learn how to create a positive and healthy environment for their children as they see them playing, going to school, and eating with other children.

 

 

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