In South Africa we currently support some 16,400 children and young people in 19 projects. Since 1979, we have been working here with established partners. Our projects are primarily in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and in the Eastern Cape.
South Africa has the largest economy in Africa. While enormous progress has been made in many areas after the end of apartheid in 1991, the black majority has not benefited from progress made. Daily life in the country is marred by violence, poverty, unemployment, a lack of educational opportunities, an extremely low life expectancy and, above all, the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With 2.1 million AIDS orphans, South Africa has the most cases of HIV infections worldwide.
We promote HIV/AIDS information and prevention programmes to prevent new infections, particularly among young people. Additional projects aim to curb violence against children. An important objective is combating poverty in rural regions. Our self-help group programme has proven highly effective in this environment.
One focus of our work in South Africa is to reduce HIV infections among young people. Our programmes aim to educate young people about the spread of HIV and how behaviour change can prevent infections. Our programmes hope to put an end to discrimination against girls and boys experience because of their gender, HIV/AIDS, disabilities, or because they have become orphans.
We help children in dire circumstances, including AIDS orphans, street children, and children with special needs. They deserve to be respected as unique and viable individuals and as important members of society.
We also strive to give disadvantaged preschool and schoolchildren – both with and without disabilities – access to good education. We hope this ensures that girls and boys who fall through the cracks of the government network of social services get a good start in life.
Sources: World Factbook, *United Nations
