Children's Support Program

The project is specifically directed towards the many children affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic who have been identified by our teams as orphans or potential orphans. The memory box programme is included as a once off part of the children's support program/

The sturdy little Memory Boxes are manufactured by a local entrepreneur and have rounded edges, convenient handles on top and are fitted with padlocks. The children decorate their individual boxes with enthusiasm and caregivers help them when they are too young to do so on their own.

The boxes assist in fulfilling the need to give the children a sense of their roots and identity and a sense of belonging, as well as aiding the facilitation of the normal grieving process. The dying parent, usually the mother, is also given the opportunity of documenting her dreams for her child, assisted by the caregivers if necessary.

Letters and documents are laminated, as are family photographs which are taken by a caregiver. These, together with birth certificates and other personal treasures, are kept safely by the child in the Memory Box.

The children are visited at home or attend a weekly support group at the Mpophomeni base.   The 3 community workers who work with the children are trained and supervised by the Social Worker.