Project launch of the community care and economic support project
THETA and NIAS launched the community care and economic support for PLHAs and households affected by HIV/AIDS project on Friday 7th March, 2008 at Kiziranfumbi Trading center in Hoima District. The project is funded by COMIC RELIEF – a charitable organization based in the United Kingdom. The launch was presided over by the Vice Chairperson Local Council V; Hoima District and attended by the District Executive Committee members and the technical staff. The Chairperson NIAS – Mr. Luke Kwamya attended the launch while THETA was represented by the Programmes Coordinator – Dr. Hizaamu Ramadhan and the Programme Officers.

The project will be implemented by THETA with technical support from NIAS. It will run for an initial period of four years with a possible extension of another three years.  It will cover three districts of Uganda that include Hoima, Apac and Mukono.

Project aim
The project aims at improving the quality of life, restoring hope and dignity of widows, orphans and vulnerable children and youth, PLHAs and their households. It will specifically provide support to 3,380 children orphaned by HIV through formal education, vocational and apprenticeship skills training, psychosocial and nutritional care of orphans, vulnerable children and youth in 6 support groups during the four years. The project is further expected to:

    • Improve the livelihoods of PLHAs, widows and their household members.
    • Provide home- based care, referral to treatment, legal and other social services to PLWHAs.
    • Empower PLWHAs, widows and orphans to advocate for their rights, guard against harmful cultural beliefs and practices and challenge HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

     


    Mr. Luke Kwamya – Chairperson NIAS addressing the audience
    Vice chairman Local Council V; Hon. Edward B Kyamulesire Hoima District addressing the audience at the launch

    Orphans entertaining the audience at the launch

    THETA Program Coordinator – Dr. Hizaamu Ramadhan – Explaining the project aim
    One of the project beneficiaries