History of LACCDP

The HIV/AIDS pandemic has continued to cause great devastation to the family structure especially in sub-Saharan Africa . Children have borne the brunt of the pandemic with current estimates putting the population of HIV/AIDS orphans at over 10 million globally and over 2 million in Kenya . The future of many Kenyan children remains uncertain but not anymore for children of a community in Siaya District of Kenya. This is in Lower Ambira Sub-location where ANPPCAN Kenya and the Lower Ambira Community Child Development Programme (LACCDP), a community based organization, have partnered to ensure that young children are given a strong start in life in the face of the scourge.

The Lower Ambira Community formed the CBO, LACCDP, after it was realized that the province, which was the worst hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Kenya , lacked any mechanisms for addressing the plight of young children in their early childhood, aged between 0-8 years, affected by HIV/AIDS. Amongst the challenges faced by children included low resilience, exploitation and low capacity of community members to care and offer support for children affected by HIV/AIDS. The programme was initiated by ANPPCAN Kenya and LACCDP in September 2003 with support from the Bernard Van Leer Foundation. It is one of the Special Programmes of ANPPCAN Kenya Chapter that addresses specific community needs and aimed at increasing knowledge on prevention, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS as well as improving care and protection of children in HIV/AIDS affected families in the community.

Vision

Mission

Mobilizing and training communities on Legal and Child Rights and enhancing their economic        capacities through Micro enterprise and improved agriculture activities to facilitate provision of basic needs      and observance of Rights of ALL Children

The Goal of the Project

To contribute to the wellbeing of children between the ages of 0-8 years affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya through Early Childhood Development programmes

Overall Objective

The overall objective of the programme is to enhance community based care and support systems and protection of children 0-8 years in families affected by HIV/AIDS in Ambira Sublocation of Siaya District by 2009.

Strategies

For the period 2007-9, LACCDP has set focus on following program and Institutional priorities:

·        Promoting micro enterprise activities 

·        Mitigating socio economic impact of HIV/AIDS

·        Training and advocacy on legal and child rights

·        Facilitating Organizational (LACCDP) capacity development

Specific objectives
The Project seeks to:

• Enhance community support systems for 600 children 0-8years affected by HIV/AIDS in Ambira Su-location by 2009.

•  Improve care and protection of 600 children in HIV/AIDS affected families in Ambira Sub-location by 2009

• Increase the community’s  knowledge and understanding on HIV/AIDS prevention and care of children affected by HIV/AIDS

• Improve the social and emotional wellbeing of children aged 0-8 years from HIV/AIDS affected families.