Through our ECD Program, support is provided to children, many of whom have been affected by HIV/Aids. During 2015 we collaborated closely with Save the Children to establish the KwaNgwanase ECD Forum. The Forum now has 83 member organizations where knowledge and good ECD practices are shared. The initiative, which will assist to raise the standard of care and teaching practices, is well supported by the many informal ECD operators in our area. Implementation partners: Tembe Tribal Authority, Save the Children.
This Tholulwazi program aims to address the stigma and misconceptions related to HIV. Many adolescents growing up in Kwa Ngwanase, though born with HIV, do not know their status despite having been on ARV’s for years. Families are reluctant and often feel unqualified to address the topic. Through the program we provide a safe and informed environment to discuss important issues. Our initial workshops are attended by parents or guardians and currently 40 affected adolescents attend the monthly support group workshops. Implementation partner: Tembe Tribal Authority Our network: RAPCAN, Government partners: Departments of Education and Health Issue 1
LIFE SKILLS
There is little motivation in a community where almost every adult in your village is unemployed. Through our structured 4-week Life Skills training course we aim to inspire this marginalized youth; to encourage them to return to their studies, secure employment – even volunteering – or to start their own business enterprise. The course also incorporates practical information such as negotiating relationships and safer s*x, dealing with grief and working together to develop their communities. We have trained more than 1000 young people in Life Skills and many of these graduates have gone on to complete schooling, set up initiatives or pursue university degrees. Implementation partners: World Changers Academy, Catalyx Tembe Tribal Authority. Government partner: NYDA, EPWP
SOCIAL JUSTICE
This program aims to alleviate the impact of HIV and other debilitating illnesses, as well as poverty on marginalized people by assisting them to gain access to Government social support systems. The program has been designed to improve access to Government support for caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children, the elderly and people living with compromised health and disabilities. With the high unemployment and HIV prevalence in the area, paralegal assistance is one of the most significant forms of sustainable help Tholulwazi can provide to mostly HIV affected orphan families. We offer guidance in the complicated, lengthy process of accessing and applying for grants. The paralegal team also assists with ID photographs, transport and monitoring applications that have been submitted to the Department of Home Affairs
COMMUNITY CARE & HBC TREATMENT SUPPORT
both through direct observed treatment (DOTS) as well as encouraging health seeking behaviour, education of family based primary carers are current capacity, though poorly resources. Tholulwazi Uzivikele currently oversees 130 CHW’s, trained by the Department of Health in palliative care (2006).), as well as training from senior nursing staff at Manguzi Hospital in HIV/AIDS and TB-DOTS (2006), and MDR TB (2009). The CHW’s have also been trained in Emotional healing as part of an ongoing programme to provide support to vulnerable children in the community. With regards to the CHW’s scope of service, they provide Home Care, Sanitation care, Wound care, Health and Hygiene training and education as well as food security. Approximately 3000 home visits are conducted monthly. Through the CHW’s Tholulwazi Uzivikele will provide two levels of treatment support Implementation partner: Manguzi Hospital Our network: Woza Moya, One Voice SA, Save the Children, LIMA, CREATE. Government Partner: Dept. of Education, CWP
TEENAGE PREGNANCY AWARENESS
KZN has some of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in South Africa. One in every ten women reporting for ante-natal care is under the age of 18. Many young girls fall for older men, many of whom have had multiple s*xual partners and are at higher risk of being HIV positive. In our marginalized community, the young girls are often seduced by gifts and empty promises. Many young girls find themselves pregnant, without financial or emotional support from the fathers. Often also ostracized from their family. To address this tragic situation, our school facilitators run interactive forum theatre in schools across the region. Participating in role play, the children start to understand the power of their decisions and the consequences of their actions. Implementation partners: RAPCAN, ADCID, One Voice SA, Tembe Tribal Authority. Government partner: Department of Education
ANTI-SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The National Drug Master Plan 2013 – 2017 emphasize an integrated and balanced approach to addressing the substance abuse problem. This approach is underpinned by three responses or strategies to substance use and abuse, and TU focuses on demand reduction or reducing the need for substances through prevention that includes educating potential users, making the use of substances culturally undesirable (such as was done with to***co) and imposing restrictions on the use of substances. 2 To date, over 200 students have completed the course and have gone on to establish a variety of industries-hair salons, day care centres, restaurants, tuck shops and agricultural projects. Implementation partners: DBSP, Tembe Tribal Authority Our network: Lulisandla Kumntwana, Zisize
SAVINGS AND CREDIT GROUPS
Having access to credit is vital in any community. For people living in rural communities it enables them to plan for a better future, however bank accounts are not always an option given the high fees and travelling distances to banks. Savings and Credit Groups are proving very effective in some of the world’s most remote and impoverished communities. They are self-governing and are run simply and transparently. Tholulwazi provides a 3-day training course to groups where they learn the basics of the system and provides materials for tracking and safe-guarding deposits.
Implementation partners: Save Act, Tembe Tribal Authority.
Our network: JAW (Justice and Women), CREATE
