Emotional Wellbeing, Community Responses and Aspiration of HIV/AIDS Orphaned Children in Monze, Zambia

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a significant negative effect on children, creating a global catastrophe of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in many afflicted regions. The increasing prevalence of orphaned children in Monze, Zambia particularly due to the impact of HIV/AIDS, poses a significant social challenge. HIV/AIDS orphans experience a variety of difficulties, including financial difficulty, transportation, social stigma, psychological, emotions. This investigated the state of emotional wellbeing, community responses and aspiration of HIV/AIDS Orphaned Children in Monze. It found that 65% feel depressed due to their situation relating the profound toll of being orphaned and living with the stigma of HIV/AIDS. While 60% indicated they received some counselling, another 60 % think faith-based organization responses could help them in their situation. A good percentage desired education, financial assistance and skill development. It is recommended that the faith based organizations like the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in partnership with NGOs should design appropriate support programmes such counselling, educational support, skill acquisition schemes and also involve the children on the planning about their future.