15th International AIDS Conference Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10296)

Lungu JN
Youth Forum Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

ISSUES: According to 1998 Living Conditions and Monitoring survey, 850,000 children are orphaned in Zambia. Children on the Brink Estimated that by 2002,Zambia would have 1.2million orphans. Most of these orphans are a result of parents dieing of HIV/AIDS. According to UNICEF 90,000 orphans in Zambia have simply been abandoned or fend for themselves. Description. A Research conducted in Zambia,Central Africa march 2003 to find out whether children from the street can be reconciled back to society or institutionalized. Shadreck and Mwaba aged 12 and 13respectively,where taken from the street and placed in a home for about 9 monthsin a project called OVC Help Initiative. The boys spent more than 2 years on the street and the Ministry Of Community where notified about the project. The boys where provided with basic necessities including basic education.

LESSONS LEARNED: Observations During First week. Boys where dirty, had lice, most often refused to bath. Abusive language, fights with friends, lies, isolation. Could not read nor write. Observations After Six Months. Able to read and write simple words. Bathed regularly even without being told Stopped telling lies and were obedient. Social, attended activities like church, sports etc. Developed initiative, innovation like gardening, repair of gadgets without being taught. Love and acceptance key to rehabilitating children from the streets. Mwaba and Shaderick now living with an orphanage run by the Anglican Church and are a clear testimony that street children can be rehabilitated and reconciled back to society.

RECOMMENDATIONS: More child -friendly transit-rehabilitation centers should be stablished. Systems to identify and relocate street children early enough. Laws protecting children from abuse should be strengthened. More political will from Governments.

040711
D10296

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