This guest post comes from Chris Desmond and Linda Richter, contributors to the Joint Learning Initiative on Children and HIV/AIDS (JLICA). Among other conclusions, JLICA's final report advocates that, in countries heavily affected by HIV, the most appropriate economic strengthening action to be taken in support of children is the establishment of a social protection plan to transfer resources to the poorest families. Given the range of activities pursued in the name of improving the economic security of children affected by HIV, CYES asked Chris and Linda to discuss their findings in more detail. To learn more about JLICA and to access the report in multiple languages, visit their website at www.jlica.org.
Although there is a great deal of controversy about the relationship between poverty and the risk of becoming infected with HIV, it is not debatable that HIV and AIDS place a financial strain on affected individuals and families. Over time, and often repeated shocks, AIDS is impoverishing. Many of the impacts which occur as a result of the epidemic, particularly those which affect children, result from this financial strain. For families already facing serious economic constraints, the added burden of HIV/AIDS can push them into destitution. Budgets are further constrained, food consumption may fall, children may be withdrawn from school, and less is available to spend on the health care of children and adults who are not ill.
The SEEP Network HIV/AIDS and Microenterprise Development working group is partnering with The CYES Network to share lessons and improve communications across practitioners working on issues relating to HIV/AIDS, children, youth and economic strengthening. The following is an excerpt from the HAMED invitation to engage in the group's activities this year. Access the full invite here.
Colleagues,
On behalf of the SEEP working group on HIV & AIDS and Microenterprise Development (HAMED), we would like to extend an invitation to all interested parties to participate in our 2009 learning agenda. We will be exploring best practices in integrated health and economic development programming for communities affected by HIV &AIDS.
This was one of the initial questions posed by Radha Rajkotia of the IRC as she began a recent presentation focused on the use of the sustainable livelihoods approach to improve the well-being of conflict-affected youth. The presentation was an element of a Washington Network for Children in Armed Conflict event and the question was far from unfounded.
To open the presentations, Felix Unogwu of Search for Common Ground silenced the crowd of over 50 attendees as each reflected on the stories of three conflict-affected young people. Though each demonstrated a sense hope, the comments of one young man from Liberia clearly illustrated the motivation for the event.
We thought many of you may be interested in or know of good candidates for what looks like an exciting opening with one of our CYES partners, EDC.
EDC is seeking an International Project Director to manage Leader Award and help backstop Associate Award activities for the EQUIP3 Project. This is a multi-country, cross-sectoral U.S. government-funded project. It requires an international development professional with strong program leadership, research management, and advocacy skills. Previous work with USAID projects and background in education and/or youth development a plus. This position will report to the EDC Vice President and Officer-in-Charge of EQUIP3 Programs. The position will be based in Washington, D.C.
