The HIV/AIDS pandemic has left no person living in Africa unaffected. The rate of HIV/AIDS infection rate in Zimbabwe hit 26% of the population in 2000. Although the death rates are astounding, the statistics often fail to remind us of all those affected by the death of one member of the family. A staggering one in five children in Zimbabwe is an orphan, and many other children have taken on adult roles while caring for sick parents.
Child-headed households where a child perhaps as young as 12 becomes the parent to all other siblings, assuming all responsibilities, are a norm in many communities. Granny-headed households also abound where elderly women who have no source of income and usually survive by subsistence are also caring for the grandchildren of those of their children who have perished.
The physical repercussions of parental death are the most obvious with the needs for clothing, food and shelter being addressed by community, government and non-government organisations. Some of the non physical “gaps” recognised in programmes designed to assist children affected by HIV/AIDS include addressing social and emotional needs of children. These other needs are referred to as psychosocial needs.
With parents now absent, who addresses a child’s need for affection, or helps a child to develop self esteem? To whom can a child talk to about the trauma of nursing a terminally ill parent in the home? With whom does a child discuss anger, sadness and other emotions associated with grief? Who teaches a child communication skills (when is it ok to ask for help, what’s appropriate and not appropriate to say?), problem solving skills and general household skills? Who tells the child that he/she is precious and loved?
In a country where average life expectancy is 30 years and unemployment around 80%, how do children develop a sense of hope for their future?
Children who grow up in poverty with a low self-esteem, low self-worth and hopelessness are at high risk of contracting HIV, as these are all attributing factors to the spread of the disease. Thus a vicious cycle is created. Thankfully, programmes such as Masiye Camp that address the psychosocial needs of children are attempting to break this cycle.
What is Masiye Camp?
Contrary to what is often assumed, Masiye Camp is not an orphanage. There are no children in residence at Masiye Camp. The Salvation Army’s Masiye Camp was founded in 1998 primarily to enhance the coping capacity of children affected by HIV/AIDS. The programme focuses on psychosocial support and life skills development for orphans and other vulnerable children.
Children are referred to Masiye Camp by various community based organisations throughout the country for a seven to ten day camp experience. The camp experience gives children the opportunity to talk about and share their personal experiences. For most children, it would be their first time to talk about such difficult issues as death and HIV and AIDS as such topics are usually viewed as taboo in their communities. Children are also given opportunities to learn coping skills from each other. Peer to peer support takes place through group therapy. Camps also provide children an opportunity to have fun and take part in therapeutic recreational activities which are not always possible at home where most children are heading households or taking care of terminally ill parents.
Through its experiential learning methodologies, Masiye Camp gives children a “peak experience.” When a child participates in challenge activities they report having an acute identity experience which they learn from.
Experiential learning activities at Masiye Camp include abseiling, canoeing, zip line, high and low ropes courses, expeditions, games, dance, theatre and more. Utilising these activities children are encouraged to explore, discover and learn communication skills, team work, overcoming fear, problem solving, self worth, grief management, HIV/AIDS prevention and much more.
Other Programmes
The Salvation Army Masiye Camp also operates other programmes focused on Psychosocial support:
The Under Five’s programme is aimed at the rural communities around Masiye camp. Children under five years gather at play centres (usually under a designated tree) with community volunteers for games, singing, dance and activities which are aimed at developing life skills and addressing psychosocial needs of this age group. Currently in two wards in the Matopos, there are 37 play centres with over 800 children registered. This programme is moving into a neighbouring ward (district) in 2007.
Kids Clubs operate throughout the urban areas of Bulawayo. The kids clubs are run by an organisation called YOCIC (Youth for a Child in Christ) which was formed of volunteer camp counsellors assisting with the Masiye Camp programme. Children who have attended camp are linked into these kids clubs where similar games and activities are used to address psychosocial needs and so that children have a regular point of contact for support and assistance. Masiye Camp is operating Kids Clubs and a high school Aids Action Committee in the rural communities around the Masiye Camp site.
The Peace Education programme, in collaboration with the German Development fund, is integrating peace education into all of Masiye Camp’s programmes. It is recognised that orphans and vulnerable children face much stress and conflict and do not always have the interpersonal skills to deal with problems in an effective way. Many resort to violence or self harm. Peace education aims at helping children find non-violent ways to deal with conflict which arises in home and community.
A Masiye Camp staff member operates psychosocial support programmes for children infected with HIV at a local Bulawayo hospital. Some 2000 children are a part of this programme. A mobile law clinic was operating through Masiye Camp to assist orphans and vulnerable children to access much needed legal assistance, particularly with obtaining birth certificates and other documentation required before they can attend school or be employed. Inheritance is also an issue often disputed and children could obtain helpful advice in this area also. Unfortunately the mobile law clinic is no longer operating due to lack of funds.
Other programmes no longer operating due to lack of funds include food support programme, school fees assistance scheme, vocational training and youth drop in centre.
Current Challenges.
The greatest challenge faced in Zimbabwe at present is the economic crisis. Inflation is officially 1500% and the prices of basic commodities increase daily. The stress of living in such an economic environment is telling on employed adults. The affects on children struggling to survive is unimaginable. More than ever orphans and vulnerable children need to know that they are supported and need interventions that help build their resilience and coping capacities. Unfortunately the economic environment of spiralling inflation and frozen exchange rate are deterring donors from supporting such programmes when they are needed the most.
For more information, visit the official Masiye Camp website.
