Ikhaya OVC Project in the Bethlehem Parish of the Archdiocese of Durban

Ikhaya OVC Project in the Bethlehem Parish of the Archdiocese of Durban hosted a high level delegation of visitors from the United States  and South Africa in May 2016.  The US Consul General  in Durban representatives of members of the US Congress, PEPFAR Officials, staff of the Centres for Disease Control, UNAIDS staff, and staff from the KZN premier’s office visited the project in the Valley of a Thousand Hills to see examples of the work being done to support orphans and vulnerable children with PEPFAR money.  Fr Madlala who began the project with the help of professionals in the community and co-ordinator Mrs Mkhize, and  Ikhaya staff, caregivers, guardians and children at the centre accorded the  visitors a great welcome, with children performing a Zulu dance. Sr Alison Munro of the SACBC AIDS Office outlined the achievements of the Church’s OVC project in partnership with PEPFAR in different parts of South Africa, highlighting the services received regularly around prevention of HIV infection and care for those who are infected or affected by AIDS. The delegation also visited the home of a vulnerable family where several children are being supported by PEPFAR services.