Support the wellbeing of children with HIV in SA

Participating in the Global Giving Challenge was a new experience for our organisation, as we never before raised funds in this way. We participated in the Challenge to raise US$4,000 from 50 unique donors in 4 weeks. Needless to say that once we got into the Challenge, we were warmed at the response of individuals who chose to support the project, to support children living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Through our networks of friends, family, colleagues, associates and so on, we managed to meet the Challenge target. We set a goal of raising US$12,500 so that were would be able to print the My Living Positively Handbook, a resource designed by us, Children’s Rights Centre, to support children who know they are HIV-positive so that they can be part of their healthcare and be active participants in the decisions that affect their treatment, care and support. To date, we managed to raise US$10,000 through Global Giving, leaving us just US$2,500 short of meeting our target.

We have started the ground work in terms of preparing for the re-printing of the books through liaising with the printer and reviewing the contents to update the necessary sections. Since the first edition, alot has changed for children living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa for the better in terms of the available drugs and treatment guidelines. These changes need to be reflected in the new printed books. These preparations will enable us to be ready to print when we reach our target through raising the remaining US 2,500.

We hope to raise the additional funds required soon, and by the end of October 2010 to have printed the new books. Our list of requests for these books is growing every day; it affirms how important a resource it is to children living with HIV/AIDS and their families.