Screenshot of database

Khulisa was contracted by UNICEF in 2006 to conduct an audit of existing training materials for OVC, Caregivers and OVC Organisations. Khulisa created a comprehensive, user-friendly database for this material using open source software; reviewed the psycho-social content of existing training materials; and utilised this review to further develop the collection of training materials; i.e. through identifying areas where more material is needed and making recommendations to improve the quality of the documents. The database was distributed in CD-ROM format at the South Africa AIDS Conference in 2007 for initial feedback from target users.

As a follow on to this project, Khulisa was contracted in November of 2007 to expand the database to include not only training materials, but training programs, resource materials, and organisations to assist those working with OVC. Additionally, Khulisa is developing a website to make the database available online. An information needs assessment was conducted to inform the selection of materials, topical content and format of the expanded database. Materials and information are being gathered through interviews, stakeholder workshops, snowballing techniques as well as ongoing review of related databases and websites. The resulting online resource portal is publicly available and will assist policy-makers, practitioners, OVC organisations, caregivers and OVC.