FOCUS in partnership with Tom Popp implemented a continuing Restored Hope for Orphans and other Vulnerable children project in Karonga. The project has its quest to provide hope to Orphans and Vulnerable children that are affected by the plight of HIV and AIDS which vastly increased the number of Orphans and other vulnerable children in Malawi. Among many effects resulting from HIV/AIDS, one of them is that some children do not go to school and less likely to have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from HIV infection and are likely to have fewer employment opportunities.
To curb the impact of HIV/AIDs on the orphans and vulnerable children, the project emanated with the goal of having an improved quality life of orphans and vulnerable children in Karonga District. The project objectives are to strengthen the capacity of females with orphans and vulnerable children to cope with HIV/AIDS related problems of nutrition, education, economic and psychosocial support; stimulate and strengthen community-based responses towards HIV/AIDS and its associated effects.
FOCUS with funds supported by Tom Popp has a bursary scheme for orphans and other vulnerable students targeting boys and girls from Karonga district. Students get recruited in the scheme using the designed Need Based Assessment Tool which each student fill to apply and attach an approval letter from the chief of respective village. The scheme supports both secondary and tertiary students in various public and private institutions in Malawi such as College of Medicine, Chancellor College, Malawi College of Accountancy, the Polytechnic University, and Technical Colleges.
Education support covered tuition fees, stationery which include lap top computers for tertiary students, transport, Food and accommodation as per student capacity assessment. Students performance and conducts were monitored in collaboration with designated officials in their respective institutions and through Parents and Guardian Committee. The project also provided counselling and guidance to students for them to concentrate on studies and be able to manage time and other resources purposely.
FOCUS through Parents and Guardians Committee mobilized some resources on the drive that “a coin is more valuable than none.” This was after looking on how much it was needed to bring a smile in a needy student. The mobilized resources were in form of agricultural raw produce (maize and rice) contributed by parents and guardians as per their own wish and agreement to support a student and also in form of money contributed by FOCUS staff and other well-wishers in Karonga district.
