TransCape NPO, South Africa

Siyakhula, ward 22, was our first successful HBC group, which is now supported by the Department of Social Development. They have received a variety of trainings; have an office and meeting buildings with equipment and a vegetable garden. Through the support of their leader, Lindelwa, we have initiated two new groups in Wards 23 and 26. They still need almost all of the trainings and have no infrastructure yet. Many of the members are already committed volunteers from their homes. Ward 25 currently has no HBC group. The existing groups are currently supporting approximately 500 orphans and 204 critically ill, frail and elderly community members. A new HBC group is formed mainly by the leaders of existing HIV/AIDS support groups in the area. Our program therefore allows for establishing support groups firstly if there are none in the area followed by a HBC group.

HBC groups have governance structure and are registered as NPO’s with the Dept of Social Development. The members have different responsibilities ranging from OVC coordinator, public schools relations, support groups coordinator, door to door coordinator to HBC managing director. They work closely with local health and social services. HBC groups are highly appreciated by the local communities they serve. They become a central hub for community development and gathering crucial information such as needs analysis. In our Rural Action against HIV/AIDS program the HBC group members and nurses at clinics will be the main people responsible for updating the central database via sms. While a new HBC group is being trained and their infrastructure prepared, we encourage the members to voluntarily start to care for their community. During this period we will help the group to comply to all conditions of the Dept of Social Development so that they can apply to register with them and receive the HBC grant within one year. During this period we will cover all expenses the group may have for trainings, setting up their infrastructure, registrations and administration. We will not cover stipends or salaries for the carers.

• Identifying and caring for the sick, terminally ill, and otherwise vulnerable community members. Care includes basic health care, treatment, and psychosocial support, cooking, dressing and washing the sick individual.
• Educating and training family members to take care of those members who are in need.
• Educating all community members about health and social issues, including HIV/AIDS.
• Referring and escorting clients as necessary to relevant Government services, including the hospital or clinic, police, and the Department of Social Development.
• Identifying and referring orphans and vulnerable children to relevant institutions to access help and Government grants.
 

OVC's Meetings once a week at HBC offices or at support group rondavels with catering and programme provided One event a year for each OVC groups OVCs will be helped to access social grants and provided with school uniforms

All OVC’s will be added in TransCape’s database and incorporated into a growing developmental program for OVC’s where we will start to provide more and more support to them through the HBC program and existing caring structures.

Peer Education

• Visiting all community members as People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) and educating them about issues surrounding health and HIV/AIDS.
• Working with local youth and assisting them with peer education programmes in schools.
• Workshops on HIV/AIDS in schools and churches.
• Providing advice and support to the PLWHAs in HIV support groups.

HIV/AIDS and Health Awareness Raising Community awareness days led by PLWHAs. Frequent presentations at Mbizos (community meetings) about health and HIV/AIDS and the work of the HBC care-givers. Participation in Transcape NPO’s awareness day campaigns through educational talks and public disclosure.

Food Production

• Encouraging community members to establish their own vegetable gardens.
• Lobbying departments like Social Development, Department of Agriculture, and Ministry of Health to assist people in gardening.

Networking and Fundraising

• Establishing a strong relationship with the Department of Social Development in Ngqeleni and Libode, to whom are reported to on a regular basis.
• Data - capturing
• Networking with Departments of Social Development, Ministry of Health, Department of Labour and Department of Agriculture at district level, accessing their resources, trainings and services on behalf of community members.

Working closely with local clinics and Canzibe hospital, involving staff with our community programmes, and mobilizing community members to access their services when necessary. Establishing relations with other CBOs and NGOs including Transcape NPO in Ngqeleni, the Legal Advice Centre in Port St Johns and the Treatment Action Campaign in Lusikiski to exchange information, obtain resources and improve impact in the area. Petitioning other organizations, businesses, and foundations for support, advice and training.