The Department of Social Development campaigns are aimed at strengthening and mobilizing communities, strengthening partnerships and to promote constructive engagement between the Department and its agencies and people in disadvantaged communities. It also aimed at tackling poverty, hunger and social exclusion, and other related socio-economic anomalies such as substance abuse, dysfunctional families, HIV and AIDS related matters, child poverty, challenges faced by the elderly, youth related challenges, capacity building challenges for community based organizations and to address the entire gamut of challenges facing people we purport to serve.

It is the time of goodwill and sharing and unfortunately not everybody has the pleasure and joy to enjoy Christmas because of the circumstances they find themselves in. Orphans and Vulnerable Children are one the most important groups who receives the services of the department.
The Department of Social Development takes the lead in the implementation of the Children’s Act and plays a central role in service delivery. The Act states that when providing services to children, “priority must be given to funding services in communities where families lack the means of providing proper shelter, food and other basic necessities, and to ensure that services are accessible to children with disabilities”

The Policy Framework for OVC (2005) and National Action Plan (2006) provides clear direction for addressing the social impacts of HIV and AIDS and for providing services. In all instances, family and community care is prioritized, and institutional care is viewed as a last resort.

In view of the above-mentioned the department will be hosting a Christmas party for orphans and vulnerable children on 9 December 2011 at the Department of Social Development Offices Mimosa Complex in Barkley Road from 11h00.

We have invited 340 children from the following sectors
• Distressed child headed households
• Social assistance grant beneficiaries
• Vulnerable children
• Victims of violence
• Youth in substance abuse/in conflict with the law
• NGOs/CBOs dealing with HIV and AIDS in communities

The main purpose of the Christmas Party for them is :
To create a space where OVC (Orphans and vulnerable children) feel safe, important and dignified.
To educate children on life skills and especially about their personal safety during the festive season.
A Christmas Party for OVC`s to feel loved and to share the goodwill of the festive season in a joyous manner.
The media is cordially invited to attend the event .

Issued by
Conrad Fortune
Manager : Communications
Department of Social Development
0798730679
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