Orphans and Vulnerable Children


HIV/AIDS and poverty in Southern Africa have left countless numbers of children without parents or adult caregivers.

Among other things, these children need education, health care, psychosocial support and protection from exploitation. Khulisa's work with OVC has focused on identifying and sharing best practices for care and support.


Examples of our recent and ongoing projects include:



Case Studies of PEPFAR-funded Orphans and Vulnerable Children Programmes in South Africa

Despite the magnitude and dire consequences of the growing number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in South Africa and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, there is insufficient documentation of the strategies deployed to improve the well-being of these children. To fill these knowledge gaps, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) commissioned Khulisa to research and write case studies of 32 OVC programmes in South Africa that receive Emergency Plan funding. PEPFAR provides financial and technical support to 168 OVC programs in South Africa. See for more information about this project.

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M&E for Care and Support for Teaching and Learning

The Care and Support for Learning and Teaching (CSTL) is a programme that focuses on strengthening education systems through the promotion of care and support to enhance teaching and learning in schools. Khulisa is responsible for developing a comprehensive M&E framework for CSTL in five SADC member states. This includes developing the methodological approach and tools as well as conducting a baseline study at national and school level, the findings of which will be measured against an outcomes/impact study to be conducted in future years.

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Reduction of Exploitative Child Labour in Southern Africa (RECLISA) Project

From 2004 to 2008, the RECLISA Project worked in the sub-region to reduce the number of children caught in the worst forms of child labour while helping them get an education. Fourteen project activities sought to raise awareness, improve educational opportunities, enhance social services, and strengthen government policies in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland. The project enrolled more than 10,000 children who were involved in, or were at risk of, child labour. Project funding was provided by the United States Department of Labor.

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Web-based Database of OVC Training Resources

With funding from UNICEF/South Africa and support from the National Department of Social Development, Khulisa is using combined expertise in Knowledge Management and OVC care and support to create a user-friendly online database of resources for individuals and organizations working with OVC. This comprehensive website will provide users with information about training materials, programmes and events, and resource materials such as reports and legislation.

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