Child Headed Households | Different.org

This project will provide critical repairs for four child headed homes.

Tragedy is the common thread that binds the 29 Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) families together that fall under the Child-headed households (CHH) project. In the case with four of these families, their homes are in desperate need of repair as the current conditions are potentially very dangerous for the inhabitants.

Rays of Hope also provides other essential services to these families that offers them a sustainable future and holistic care.

These are the other project services they offer the families:

Nurture is the highest priority. The dedicated team are committed to building genuine relationships through weekly home visits and interacting with the kids at least 4 times a week.
Education – Many of the children have not had the benefit of a constant education; an environment is created in an after school homework club where they can ask questions and learn in a non-threatening, fun and loving environment. They are also taught computer skills, life skills (such as washing, cooking, personal hygiene, and cleaning) and gardening.
Recreation – Great benefits are seen in the children’s well-being from participating in activities that enrich life such as, arts, crafts, social interaction, music, sports, birthday celebrations and day retreats. Boys participate in the ‘Boys of Hope’ soccer team, cycling club and learning to swim.
Mental Health – All the children have been through trauma, and subsequently most are afraid, angry, confused, sad and scared and often have no one to talk to. Counselling and additional professional interventions are provided as needed.
Spiritual guidance is at the core of care, given in conjunction with other support offered to provide a holistic contribution.
Physical Health – Volunteers assist with doctor, optometry and dental visits to ensure thorough and regular health care. Each family receives a monthly food parcel to help meet nutritional needs.
Work readiness – Skills such as relationship management, writing a CV, interview skills and appropriate behaviour in the workplace and coaching are taught.
Home Care – Most of the homes are in a bad state of repair; homes are upgraded to ensure security and are sealed from the elements.
Material Needs – Generous donors provide items when they are needed such as clothing and other household goods. The children are encouraged to be as self-sufficient as possible by taking food home from the gardening project for example, so that they do not become dependent on hand outs.
Documentation – In most cases, the children have no legal proof of their own existence, such as a birth certificate, and without help the process of obtaining it is often overwhelming and/or too costly for them. There are also often significant problems with regard to the estate of their parents, which they also receive assistance with.

Restoring Dignity to Child Headed Households

by Rays of Hope

Alexandra. Johannesburg Poverty Alleviation

Project activity

Funded to date:

R 50,000

Funding goal: R 50,000

NGO: Rays of Hope

Start: 11th July 2016

End: 1st October 2016

Field agent: Sihle Mooi
0861 000 000