UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE AGAINST AIDS

October 1, 2008

Parenting Support Groups Help Affected Families

“It takes a village to raise a child.”  This well-known, often-said African proverb finds even more meaning in a world where children are affected by HIV and AIDS.  For families living in poverty, the added challenge of HIV often adds to their vulnerability and ability to support and protect their children.

Two communities in Jamaica’s most AIDS-affected parish, St. James, have taken on the responsibility of caring for and protecting some of their most vulnerable children – those infected and affected by HIV.

These two communities – one rural and the other inner city - have formed parenting support groups. These groups reach out to families affected by AIDS, especially those that have lost a parent or where there has been a loss of income due to the effects of HIV. Their mission, very simply, is to help parents meet the needs of their communities’ children.
 
Some of their activities include help with homework and the provision of breakfast for the children attending school. They have also established networks with local public health clinics, schools and churches in and around their communities to help share information and contribute to the reduction of stigma and discrimination.

Their efforts have not been without challenges. That’s why UNICEF has provided financial and technical assistance to build the capacities of the members of both groups as they work to expand their impact on children and inspire other community members.