Holistic Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC)
Hawassa Children’s Organization is committed to the care and support of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) through a comprehensive, child-centered approach. Our Institutional Care Program ensures that each child receives the love, protection, and essential services needed to thrive.
Family Reintegration Program
In alignment with our de-institutionalization efforts, we work to reunite children with their families or close relatives. We believe the best environment for a child is within a loving family, integrated into their community and cultural context.
Children re-integrated into families receive ongoing financial support and counseling through their higher education—be it university, college, or TVET.
Care & Support for Children Living with HIV/AIDS
Children living with HIV/AIDS receive specialized support, including:
- Financial assistance
- Adequate medical treatment
- Counseling services
- Education and school aid supplies
- Secure lodging and basic needs
Educational Support
All children under our care attend either government or private schools. Hawassa Children’s Organization provides:
- School supplies (books, pencils, uniforms, backpacks, etc.)
- Payment for school fees
- After-school tutoring (10 hours per week)
- Summer camp programs
- Dedicated Educational Coordinators and Tutors
We continue to support children through secondary and higher education, including enrollment in state universities. In recent years, six youth graduated from college and university programs, successfully transitioning to independent living.
Nutrition Program
We provide nutritious meals to support children’s growth and recovery, especially those arriving malnourished or with medical conditions such as HIV, TB, epilepsy, and more. Meals are prepared by housemothers, with children participating in food preparation and household responsibilities to prepare for independent living.
Festive occasions and holidays are celebrated with special meals, contributing to emotional well-being and cultural connection.
Clothing & Hygiene
All children receive appropriate clothing and hygiene supplies, including:
- Shoes, t-shirts, pants, and school uniforms
- Laundry and body soap, hair oil, sanitary napkins
- Regular haircuts and grooming
Healthcare & Medical Treatment
Our on-site medical clinic, led by a qualified nurse, provides:
- Clinical treatment and medical checkups (including HIV, TB)
- Preventive health services (malaria prevention, hygiene)
- Health education on topics such as:
- HIV/AIDS prevention
- Reproductive health (ages 15+)
- Water-borne and parasitic diseases
- STIs, trachoma, personal hygiene
Guidance & Counseling Services
Social workers provide regular counseling and follow-up support tailored to each child’s personal, educational, social, and emotional development.
Activities Include:
- Continuous monitoring of reintegrated children in their new homes
- Frequent one-on-one and group counseling sessions
- Ongoing profile monitoring and needs assessments
- Encouraging participation in arts, sports, literature, and drama
- Home visits and school check-ins
- Support for university, college, and vocational students
- Mediation and support to resolve conflicts among children and staff
- Engagement with housemothers to promote positive parenting
- Collaborative care planning with nurses, teachers, and caregivers
- Regular academic progress tracking and tutorial support