MBOMBELA – AN estimated 3.4 million South Africans have lost one or both parents to Aids.
This is according to the director of Childline in Mpumalanga, Dr Benita Nel during the Thogomelo Graduation which was held in Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s offices, recently.
She added that the burden of caring for the vulnerable children exceeds the capacity of social services and lies with the community.
“South Africa has about 60 000 community caregivers that volunteer their services in support of vulnerable children.”
She indicated that as a result the caregivers carry the burden of care in communities affected by poverty, abuse HIV/AIDS.
She was speaking during an event which saw 23 learners’ who have successfully completed the accredited Thogomelo programme for community caregivers in the province graduation.
The candidates were selected by the Department of Social development from all over Mpumalanga and had attended a weeks of lectured training including field follow up visits among other things.
The programme was developed by the international HIV Alliance in the country as part of a five USAid funded project in partnership with the department.
“As caregivers, you play an important role in your communities, as you are often a friend, a nurse, a teacher and a protector that is working tirelessly to nurture the development of children and develop their resilence against the various challenges face them,” she concluded.
