Changing lives of children in distress through the church; Compassion International OVC Response By George Osoo Compassion Kenya Health Specialist CCIH, May 2008

Compassion in Kenya

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Since 1980.

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Has 248 church partners

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Reaching out to 61,697 needy children

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Total No. of orphans supported by Compassion11,167

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Where does compassion work in Kenya?

OVC or HVC?

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Compassion uses a different term for the same category of children

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The word OVC, especially in HIV/AIDS situation attracts stigma

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HVC: Hyper vulnerable Children

Vulnerability Determination

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Orphan hood Hostile home situation Social/environmental factors This is assessed through vulnerability index tool that was adopted from UNICEF

Why HVC?

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Do badly in school and/or drop out of school

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Begin working at an early age

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Have poor health and nutrition

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Lose their rights to land and property

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Lack love, care and attention

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Experience stigma and discrimination

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Suffer sexual abuse and exploitation

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Become HIV-infected

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Experience long-term psychological problems.

Compassion HVC care models Church based:

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Care reinforcement

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Care replacement

Care re-enforcement

Strengthening capacity of families to sustein community based care of highly vulnerable children.

Care Replacement

Refer to alternative care where the child has no family member or extended family to provide care. Compassion’s two approaches :

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Foster Care

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Community based Compassion Cottage

Care Reinforcement Package

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Shelter renovation/assistance

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Nutritional assessment and support

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Counseling

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Education support

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Medical support

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Other discretionary needs

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Caregivers education on children’s rights.

Care Replacement 1.Foster Care

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Community mobilization through the church.

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Training of willing families on foster care.

Shelter assistance Nutritional assessment/assistance Medical assistance Child Counseling Caregiver counseling.

Income Generating activities

Care Replacement 2.Compassion Cottage (4 with 30 children)

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Shelter

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Volunteer caregiver

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Nutritional assessment/assistance Education assistance Property follow up Counseling reintegration

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Medical assistance Caregiver counseling Income generating activities

Activities

Shelter assistance 200 beneficiaries

Economic empowerment:

Foster: Nyambura Freda

cottage care 4 cottages in Kenya with 30 children

Medical interventions: Chelagat

Conclusion