Village committees boosting the
number of supported orphans

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One look into Ramadhani’s eyes is enough to tell just how much agony he underwent when his father suddenly died due to AIDS. The boy, now 14 years old, was then forced to drop out of school and care for his HIV + mother and siblings all by himself. Now, like over 20,000 children affected by AIDS in Tanzania he has been identified by a “Most Vulnerable Children’s Committee,” (MVC) formed by members of his village. They have helped build his family a new house, and are ensuring that they all receive free food and health services. Having completed primary school, Ramadhani is now learning skills that will enable him to earn money in future.

"Two weeks after we start supporting, we find everyone so happy! The Global Fund is monitoring and making the government work harder to change the rigid systems. I don't think we would have reached any child without them... In future we feel that this programme is going to be owned by the communities."

Partners including PACT, a non-governmental organization, rely on such committees in over 120 villages to ensure that orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) receive food, shelter, clothing, education and legal protection, among other assistance. In the few countries where they formally exist, such committees are crucial in supporting children in distress and keeping them away from unsafe urban towns until they are old enough to protect themselves. This project is financed by the Global Fund in support of the Government of Tanzania. Flora Kalinga, a Senior Programme Officer at PACT, describes the work of these innovative committees.