Empowering HIV and AIDS Orphans for Human Development An Evaluative Case Study of St. Anna's Centre, Gathukeini, Murang'a

Abstract

While the Bible offers a firm theological foundation for engaging in a ministry to orphaned children, it does not comprehensively tell us how this ministry needs to be carried out. A desire to address this problem motivated the researcher to engage in this investigation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the approach adopted by St. Anna's Centre in empowering HIV and AIDS orphans in Gathukein community for human development. The Centre's role in the personal transformation of the orphaned children, as well as its role in the social transformation of Gathukeini community were assessed. The transformational model formed the framework within which the Centre's strategy was evaluated. Adopting a qualitative case study design, the data required to assess its approach were collected through participant observation, group and individual interviews. The finding of the research indicated that the Centre has adopted an integrative approach in meeting the diverse needs of the orphaned children. The physical needs met by the Centre include food, clothing and health care It meets their emotional needs through loving care and acceptance in the face of stigma and discrimination. To meet the educational needs of HIV and AIDS orphans, the Centre has established St. Anna's Primary School, with committed teachers who guide the orphans' in their education. This intervention programme also meets their spiritual needs These children are exhorted to have a personal relationship with God for them to have meaning and purpose in life. While they have been devastated by hopelessness, having lost their parents, the Centre is instilling Biblical hope in them. This is done through reading scriptures prayers and singing songs with Christian messages. However, the research findings also indicated that the Centre was facing numerous challenges. These include the ever rising number of the orphaned children, which is a great challenge to the Centre. Provision os Abstracts 98 of adequate nutrition as well as healthcare services is very expensive. The poverty that marks the elderly guardians of the orphaned children is also challenging to the Centre. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends certain modifications for operating the Centre, such as re- organizing the four current departments and adding a few new ones. The Centre also needs to collaborate with the local churches, other organizations which have an interest in HIV and AIDS related issues and community development.