It’s Young People We Care Programme targets some 15,000 youths with information on how to avoid the trap of prostitution, which is rampant because of poverty.
Judith Sherman, Unicef’s HIV/AIDS advisor, said: “What we realised is that most young people in Zimbabwe today have grown up during an era of HIV and AIDS. For the past three decades the disease has been prevalent in their lives.”
However, for many orphaned at an early age and fast tracked to become adults. the programmes are yet to cascade down to them.
According to the National Aids Council, there is need for a concerted effort by government, individuals and the corporate sector to assist young people whose lives are trapped in a vicious cycle that leads ultimately to new HIV infections as the children seek ways of earning a living.
Apart from lack of food, shelter, birth registration documents and psychological support, orphaned and vulnerable children face a daunting challenge with regards to education. Their quest to better themselves by attaining a decent education is shattered by a lack of school fees.
Post published in: News