Camps for Vulnerable Children
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Supporting Brighter Futures
Mpilonhle hosts camps for vulnerable children living with congenital HIV to connect them and their families with support resources, while providing a safe environment for play, learning about their condition, and building a supportive community.
Camps for Vulnerable Children
Mpilonhle provides day camps for approximately 200 children aged 5 to 18 living with congenital HIV, pending funding. Each child attends at least eight day camps per year, which are held on Mpilonhle’s premises. The facilities include large meeting rooms and outdoor areas, including play spaces.
Staff and Services
The camps are staffed by nurses, counsellors, social workers, and psychologists from Mpilonhle, as well as nurses and support staff from the Department of Health and the Department of Social Development.
Services provided during the camps include the monthly distribution of antiretroviral medication; medical screening for complications arising from new illnesses or other health issues; assessment of intellectual and physical development; and identification and support for any disabilities commonly associated with children living with HIV.
Supporting the Children
Activities include age-appropriate discussions about the children’s diagnosis during individual counselling sessions, covering the implications of their condition, an approach rarely offered in clinics, even for adolescents.
As the children grow older, counselling on issues related to sex and maturation is provided.
Fun and Support for Families
Mpilonhle actively engages with parents and guardians, who are encouraged to attend a minimum of two sessions each year. These sessions aim to provide support, guidance, and information to help families better understand and manage their children’s needs.
The camps are thoughtfully designed to be enjoyable and enriching experiences, filled with a variety of sports, cultural, and arts activities that promote fun, creativity, and social interaction among the children.
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