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Urban Township Program
KwaZula-Natal is the hardest hit of South Africa’s provinces suffering from HIV/AIDS. Sibusiso is partnering with various communities and organizations in the following area: Child & Family enhancement supporting a Child Feeding and Outreach Program; Income Generation training opportunities, Networking of Nurses between KwaZulu-Natal and Boston, Massachusetts; Provision of education and information related to HIV/AIDS; Delivery of basic necessity items desperately needed by community members.
PROGRAMS
Izimbali Zesizwe – “Flowers of the Nation”, Imbali Orphan Feeding & Outreach Programme
 Mission: To provide a comprehensive intervention for orphans & vulnerable children living in the Imbali township of KwaZulu-Natal, creating a model community involvement and commitment.
In January 2007, with a committed team of volunteers, support from local leaders and generous donation from the Sibusiso NGO, the Izimbali Zesizwe programme was launched in Imbali-J, and began providing food and a safe site for children to gather and participate in positive living activates, including learning, traditional Zulu dance, after school tutoring and assessment and referral for child grants and medical care. Izimbali Zesizwe also offers educational workshops on positive living, HIV/AIDS awareness, HIV prevention, and ARV and TB Treatment.
50 extremely needy children are receiving nutritious home-cooked meals and many more participate in sponsored activities and receive after-school tutoring.
Enrolment Criteria for Feeding Program 
- Children infected with HIV, TB or who are malnourished
- Children who are orphaned, neglected
- Or with parents or caregivers with no income or limited resources
Evaluation Procedure for Feeding Program
- Caregiver home visited and resources/needs assessed
- If resources severely limited, child enrolled for 4-mos and assistance provided to apply for child welfare and other social grants
- Enrolment may be extended to 6-mos if successful grant application
made and 8-mos if a home-garden also established
Goals & Objectives of the Program
- Provides food for hungry orphans and vulnerable children in the Imbali J township
- Provides a safe venue and organizational structure for children to participate in positive living activities
- Raises community awareness around the needs of children living within the community
- Mobilizing the community to participate in initiatives that promote child emotional and physical health, HIV/AIDS and rape prevention, school retention and increase a sense of belonging and self esteem
- Model a programme that can be expanded and replicated in similar resource limited settings.
 Clinical Support and Consultation: Sibusiso currently provides HIV/AIDS education and medical supplies to a variety of clinics in the Durban and Pietermaritzsburg area including the St. Vincent’s orphanage and the iThemba HIV clinic in Marionhill.
Care & Carry: Many basic needs are not met for this community. Baby blankets, hand made by Massachusetts volunteers, are delivered to a variety of clinics and hospitals so mothers can bring their newborns home in a new beautiful blanket.
Songs for Sibusiso
Conceived by Boston musician (a.k.a Michael O’Connor of the Boston Ska band Pressure Cooker), Songs for Sibusiso draws on inspiring music from South African talents as well as those found in the thriving Jamaica Plain music scene. Songs for Sibusiso features rhythmic celebrations of life through the music of The Sinikithemba Choir, a group whose members know intimately the struggle of living with HIV/AIDS. It includes guest appearances by members of local bands: Babaloo!! Lovewhip, the Cha Cha Cha All-Stars and, Pressure Cooker. The 14-song disc combines traditional and popular kid’s favorites, such as Baa Baa Black Sheep, with original compositions.
Proceeds from the sale of the compact discs supports funding of Children's Programs for those infected or affected by NIV?AIDS in South Africa, like programs such as the Izimbali Zesizwe Orphan Feeding and Outreach Programme.
To order: cdbaby.com/cd/aloysius
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