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Children - 6 Conclusion
   Last updated: 23.08.01
 
The process of appraising the needs and resources for children affected by AIDS in Cambodia has been a positive one for Khana. For the first time staff from NGO partners facilitated on equal terms, more than demonstrating their increased capacity for participatory appraisal and for using tools and techniques in a sensitive fashion. Also positive was the active participation and evident concern, for children affected by AIDS shown by adults from all walks of life. The methods used allowed information to be triangulated, and there were some very interesting findings. Although only a small portion of the review of existing literature is mentioned in this report, Khana has been able to learn a lot about good practice and appropriate responses in other countries through this exercise.

It is recognised, however, that this appraisal represents only the first in many stages of planning and implementing a response to the issues, and that there are still many significant gaps in both the breadth and depth of the information shared with Khana. Examples include that:

  • The appraisal fails to show the scale of the challenge and where the greatest need is. Quantitative data on children affected by AIDS, orphaned and vulnerable children generally, particularly by Province, is needed to appreciate scale and location.

  • Although the appraisal points the way, there is a need for more systematic investigation about existing resources and potential resources at national, provincial and most importantly at individual community level.

  • Further knowledge is needed about projects and interventions that have been effective in other countries and why they have been effective.

  • We need to know how acceptable imported solutions may be within the context of contemporary Cambodian culture and society.

  • A great deal more needs to be understood about the psychosocial impact of AIDS on children in Cambodia – how to recognise distress and how best to help a child to cope.

  • Further information is also needed about strategies to promote children's natural resilience.


Given the relative lack of information about the psychosocial impact of AIDS on children in the appraisal, Khana has chosen to give this issue first priority. Directly following the appraisal, 2 workshops were conducted for 26 NGO partners and members of their communities for a total of 80 participants from all over the country. The objectives were to feedback and discuss the appraisal findings and to begin the process of learning skills in working with distressed and vulnerable children. Khana will continue this basic skills building as a part of routine and long-term technical support to NGO partners.

Khana will also support NGO partners to conduct participatory reviews of their current projects with their communities, and assist them to work with key stakeholders in their area to reformulate their projects according to expressed need. Needs and resources for children affected by AIDS will therefore be appraised again in each NGO area of operation. Not only will this add to the body of knowledge Khana is accumulating, it will also result in at least some communities working with the NGOs to integrate appropriate responses for children into their on-going HIV/AIDS prevention and care work.

It is anticipated that re-designed NGO partner projects will begin implementation in August 2000. At this stage, with support from the Alliance, Khana plans a six month project to assist some NGOs and their communities to develop and monitor appropriate indicators. This process will be documented as part of a larger project to explore the development of different models of integrating HIV/AIDS care into prevention work in rural communities.

Given available capacity and resources, it is not possible for Khana and its partners on their own to achieve widespread impact. Although individual communities, families and children themselves need to be central in decision making and implementation, there is a vital role for the government, UN agencies and other NGOs in upgrading skills and resources. The next logical step would be to carry out a systematic situation analysis and from this to develop and implement a national strategy for children affected by AIDS.

During 2000, Khana will therefore also undertake to disseminate the appraisal and other findings widely, and to advocate for a co-ordinated, multi-sectoral response the needs of children affected by AIDS in Cambodia.