The program aimed at cultivating open; caring and trusting relationships between caregivers and their children is part of the comprehensive services provided to orphans and vulnerable children under the PEPFAR funded Reach Namibia project.

The training consists of 14 sessions conducted over a period of three months and it targets vulnerable children aged 10 to 19.

Speaking at the event, Reach Namibia Program Coordinator Mr. Katamba Nanyemba highlighted that the initiative aims to empower participants with essential soft skills to improve communication between
parents and their teenage children.

“The program focuses on enhancing livelihoods by equipping participants with the tools to better manage their finances, explore income-generating activities, participate in village savings, encourage their children's academic success, and prioritize their health and well-being,” he said.

Mr. Katamba also stated that the goal of the initiative is to attain adherence to treatment, reduce the reliance on handouts and break the cycle of poverty.

“As you receive your certificates today, I urge you to prove to your communities that Ehafo Letu has empowered you to act and turn your lives around. The certificate alone is not enough; it is crucial that you demonstrate through your actions that you are now capable of providing for your own basic needs. The program will continue to support those of you who engage in the village savings and loans intervention,” he said.

Assistant to Headman, Mr. Alex Kanyetu-Kangweru emphasised the need to have Ehafo Letu program extended to other villages in the region. This he said will help a lot of households.

“It is not easy to disclose a child’s HIV status, but parenting programs of this kind will educate parents on the importance of disclosure making it easy to have open communication with children in their care,” he said.
Shamangorwa village Headman, Alfons Shifafure acknowledged the support from the U.S government to the government of Namibia in fighting issues relating to HIV. Mr. Alfons alluded that the support is of great help and should be continuous.

“I remember attending an event where I was invited to witness one of the children in this program benefiting from a donation of blankets and clothes from the Reach Namibia project. That is how I developed appreciation for the program because of the impact that it is making in our people’s lives,” said Mr. Shifafure.
The Reach Namibia project is funded by PEPFAR through USAID and is implemented by Project Hope Namibia and IntraHealth Namibia.