Strengthening Home Based Care through Orphan Support Nsambya Home Care (NHC) Programme is a department of St. Raphael of St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya situated in Kampala, Uganda. NHC is a Faith Based Organization providing care, treatment, and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) services to HIV and AIDS infected and affected people in a radius of 21kms from Kampala City. 

The project will target OVCs infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS in the NHC program area. Some of the OVCs will be children of clients currently attending NHC clinics for HIV and AIDS services; others will be orphans of clients who have died; while many will be OVCs living in households that are affected by HIV and AIDS. The proposed project will address the problem of the increasing burden of OVCs on families and communities.  The secondary beneficiaries will be caregivers and/or guardians.

NHC has noted an increasing number of children whose future is shattered, deprived, devastated, traumatised, prejudiced and subjected to lives devoid of human interest. Generally, OVCs suffer from trauma, grief and depression associated with the impact of HIV and AIDS on their families; poor access to educational opportunities, health care and nutrition. They suffer social isolation, stigma and discrimination and struggle to meet basic needs including clothing and shelter.  Youth (boys and girls) are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection due to lack of adequate and appropriate information and youth friendly prevention, care and support services among other factors. Gender balance will be considered in each case.

Care givers (guardians, grandparents and family members) often live in abject poverty and lack basic HIV and AIDS knowledge and skills to prevent themselves from infection, and to provide proper care for children under their care. They are emotionally drained due to heavy burden of caring.

NHC will work with families, communities, and local leaders to identify and select OVCs to benefit from the project using a defined selection criterion to determine the most deserving ones.  Selected OVCs will be enrolled in primary and vocational training within their communities. Those enrolled in primary schools will be provided with scholastic materials including pens, books, uniforms and training materials. Direct support for fees and scholastic materials will be provided to ensure that children regularly attend school and complete the course.

Vocational training will emphasize on apprenticeship and artisan skills building because of its cost effectiveness opportunities for self employment. Each vocational graduate will receive start up tools relevant to one’s training such as sewing machines, mechanical toolboxes, and carpentry tools to enable them enter into the employment market in order to self reliant. 

Project Officers will directly implement the activities carrying out assessments, enrolment and day-to-day support to children. Volunteers, community members, counsellors, nurses, and doctors will refer children they feel need support. Social Workers will regularly visit schools and homes where the children live, to assess progress and to provide career guidance. NHC will work closely with school authorities to monitor performance of the children. 

Orphans will be supported within their families, ensuring maximum participation of caregivers. Parents and guardians of the supported OVCs will be given positive parenting skills. This will enhance their communication to the children, respect to children rights, and ability to give career guidance their children. NHC will work within community structures like the Children and community-liaison department of the Uganda Police, local leaders, and religious leaders. During clinic days, and home visits to the sick clients, clients will be sensitized on the OVC program and how one can benefit.