Who are orphans and vulnerable children?
Namibia’s National Policy on Orphans and Vulnerable children defines “orphan” as “a child who has lost one or both parents because of death and is under the age of 18” and a “vulnerable child” is “a child who needs care and protection.”[2] As one can imagine, the loss of a parent (or both parents) profoundly affects a child economically, psychologically and socially. UNICEF’s Unite for Children Unite Against AIDS’ Framework for the Protection, Care and Support of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Living in a World with HIV and AIDS enumerated the following effects of sickness and death of a parent upon children: • Economic hardship – As parents succumb to sickness, they become unable to provide for their child financially and what little savings are available goes towards health care costs. As a result, children’s needs, such as school fees and clothing, aren’t able to be met. • Lack of love, attention and affection – While children of all ages need emotional support and stimulation, you
