Bereavement Program for children affected by HIV

In March 2015, the first Bereavement Programme for the year was run at a Primary School in Daveyton, a township East of Johannesburg. There were 10 children in the group aged between 8 and 10 years. These little ones really seemed to enjoy the course, particularly making the puppets and playing the drums. It does however break your heart, that children so young have to cope with devastating losses at such a young age!

In April, Home-Start South Africa ran the first volunteer training for the year. We were able to train 10 willing and eager volunteers who are committed to helping children to cope with their grief. It was also an opportunity for these lovely ladies to address their own losses and one participant shared that it was the first time that she had had the opportunity to talk about the death of her beloved father.  

The second programme for the year was run during April and May. This group was for children aged 10-12 years.  They were a lively bunch of children and there was much chatter during the sessions. Each time we do the do the course, we are humbled and amazed at what the children gain from the programme. Below is a story from a 12 year old Zanele who attended the Bereavement Programme in April 2015:

“Our mother died when we were 6 yrs old. She was very ill and spent most of her time in hospital. She was a very big woman but the last time she was sent home from hospital she was very thin, she had lost a lot of weight. She couldn’t even play with us or make us lunch. She was forever in bed. When she passed away we were sent to my aunt’s house for the weekend. We didn’t attend our mother’s funeral. After the funeral our mother’s name was not suppose to be mentioned and all her photos were removed, not even one left behind.

The bereavement programme helped me to remember my mother the way that she was. The way that she would bath us (my sister and me), play with us and read us bedtime stories. I miss my mother dearly but because of the programme, I know now that I carry her in my heart.”

Home-Start participated in the Global Giving challenge in December 2014 to raise funds for the Bereavement Programme for HIV orphans. We were hoping to raise $7500 so that we could offer the programme and on-going support to 80 vulnerable children in 2015. While we were not able to reach our target, we are most grateful to those that have donated, especially those that are 'new' friends to Home-Start. 

In terms of how the money that we have raised is being or will be spent, approximately $500 is needed to train 10 new volunteers. These volunteers are being equipped with the knowldege and skills to help children deal with their grief. These volunteers will also be offered on-going training and supervision throughout 2015. 

The balance of the funds raised is being used to run the first programme for the year. This started in the middle of February and will run until the last week of March. There are 8 Grade 2 learners (between 8-10 years) participating in this group. 

Once again, we would just like to thank everyone for their generous donations.

It is purely because of this kind of support that we can continue to help the children and families involved in Home-Start and make such a difference in their lives.