The phenomenon of Child Headed Households (CHH) is complex and multifaceted. It impacts on the societal framework and has profound implications for the well-being of children and the realisation of their rights.

In order to develop effective and responsive policies and programmes to address the plight of child-headed households, it was necessary to know the nature of the problems they are faced with, available resources and how the resources can be utilised to meet their needs. A situational analysis of child-headed households in South Africa was conducted. The study found that the main needs of the children were listed as socio-economic needs, such as nutrition (food); safety and shelter in terms of housing and clothes, health, hygiene, education and learning and supervision.

The purpose of the project is to allow OVCs and CHHs to use and benefit from improved services offered by refurbished and adequately equipped Community Care Centres, and to be assisted at a personal level via skills development programs aimed at their needs.

The social component of the project refers to the skills development programme for CHH’s and YHHs. Its primary aim is to equip these youths with vocational and life skills which will enable them to deal effectively with challenges in their environment.