Ethembeni Project
Hankey, South Africa
Ethembeni Community Project began in 2001 and is based in the small town of Hankey, approximately 80km outside Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Ethembeni is true to its name, which means "there is hope", and is committed to the care of those affected by HIV and AIDS and to preventing the spread of the disease.
There are 200 orphans and vulnerable children who attend a daily preschool at the centre and an additional 50 benefit from an after-school club. At Ethembeni they receive love, education and nutritious food. Each child is assessed from a psychosocial perspective and appropriate assistance is offered to families. A bereavement group, where older children are supported by activities, including drama, Bible study and prayer, meets twice a week, helping orphans and vulnerable children cope with their situations. Ethembeni provides an invaluable support base for local children and young people.
Despite the local availability of antiretrovirals, home-based care remains a significant part of the work. Ethembeni volunteers visit around 60 people each week in their homes. On Friday nights, project workers visit local taverns to stimulate debate about HIV and AIDS and encourage behaviour change.
iThemba contributes towards the running costs of Ethembeni, including salaries, stipends for volunteers and costs associated with the pre-school and provision of home-based care services.
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