Involving trained youth in school-based care and support activities for orphans and vulnerable children in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Issue: Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa faces large increases in the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) due to HIV and AIDS. This study was conducted in an effort to determine the feasibility of engaging youth to provide care and support to OVC through a school-based program.

Description: 98 volunteer youths (mean age 24) were identified and recruited as caregivers. Caregivers underwent comprehensive training around care and support. They were asked to visit assigned primary schools 4 times a week for 2 hours per day over a six-month period. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from caregivers and learners to evaluate the program.

Results: Activities conducted by the youth caregivers included: homework assistance, HIV/AIDS education and child rights education, recreational activities, psychosocial support and community outreach. At endline, over 75% of 560 learners surveyed (aged 11-15) in the 5 intervention schools reported participation in program activities. Of these, 95% reported that following participation they feel more accepted by their peers and 92% feel better able to protect themselves from HIV.

Caregivers reported lack of compensation and transportation problems as challenges. Throughout the intervention the number of caregivers dropped from 98 to 44. Caregivers reported that they struggled to manage all the needs of the learners.

Recommendation: Future program efforts need to look for ways to motivate and retain youth caregivers. Programs should also establish links with other programs and services to address the broader needs of the learners that youth caregivers cannot manage, such as access to grants.