OVERVIEW

iThemba Lethu was constituted by a group of people with a concern for the future and destiny of young people and children threatened by HIV /AIDS, especially in the Durban area. The organisation is Christian based, and is affiliated to Glenridge Church International, a local church.

iThemba Lethu seeks to impact children and young people in Durban whose future is being threatened by HIV /AIDS. Our vision is to see these children and young people regain a meaningful destiny by them:

• recognising the value of their lives;

• recognising their spiritual inheritance;

• being part of a secure family or having positive relationships.

Purpose and Objectives of iThemba Lethu:

We seek to impact the lives of children and young people in Durban whose futures are being threatened by HIV/AIDS. Our vision is to see each of them regain a meaningful destiny.

iThemba Lethu will:

• invest in children who are at high risk of having their future negatively impacted by HIV/AIDS;

• assist in the process of integrating orphaned and abandoned babies into suitable family environments.

iThemba Lethu has two programmes that seek to achieve these long term objectives:

1. HIV Prevention Programme

The objective of the intervention is to reduce HIV infection rates amongst young people in Cato Manor by reducing their risk-taking behavior in general. The motivation for change has to be the realisation of
self-value and destiny.This provides a backdrop against which HIV/AIDS education can then have a positive effect on their lifestyle and behaviour.The young people also need support from parents and teachers to maintain these changes. The teacher programme is run over 2 years.

    

2. Family Integration Programme

The objective is to care for babies who have been orphaned or
abandoned as a result of HIV/AIDS whilst trying to find suitable adoptive or foster families with whom to permanently place the children.

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Who is involved?

1. Management Team

There is a team of eight people that provide oversight and direction to iThemba Lethu's work. For more information on the team, click here.

2. Staff

iThemba Lethu currently employ 15 people. Eight of these are involved in the HIV Prevention Programme on a full time basis, three are involved on a full time basis with the Family Integration Programme, two are part time staff and two are involved with the administration of both programmes.

3. Glenridge Eldership

We relate to Glenridge Church International by remaining accountable to the eldership. The eldership in turn offer a covering of prayer. iThemba Lethu, however, operates as a separate legal entity, with a separate bank account and accounting procedures.

Glenridge Church International is in relationship with New Covenant Ministries International. Glenridge's values include a focus on building relationships and friendships across cultures, generations, and professions. It is a local church that seeks to impact the world. Its mission reads as follows : "Glenridge Church International is an apostolic, prophetic community of friends who love God, love each other and desire to impact and change the world." It has a very active youth component.

4. Volunteers

We have a volunteer base of over 40 people. Many people have become increasingly involved in the organisation. The volunteers assist in a variety of ways that include babysitting, cooking, feeding and bathing the babies. Other volunteers help with repairs around the home.

Volunteers who become directly involved in the children and young people, are screened and trained appropriately (depending on the work they are interested in). This would at the very least include HIV training and safety procedures that need to be followed. A volunteer management system is in place to ensure that we make optimal use of the services and time offered by the volunteers. We have also enjoyed having the help of many international volunteers. Should you wish to find out more about volunteering click here.

5. Partners

There are many factors impacting on the lives of the people we work with, including their economic situation and the realities of their living conditions. We cannot work with children and young people in isolation, and that doing this would undermine any of our attempts to bring about change in their lives.

iThemba Lethu has established partnerships with other organisations that offer additional services and help that falls beyond our focus areas. This network allows us to refer young people, or parents to relevant organisations and thereby assist them in finding a solution or receiving the necessary support needed.