G.E.N.O.: Grandparents Empowered to Nurture Orphans – Funded by the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation and Global Health Action, Inc., 2006-2007
Sharon King, Co-PI
Yolanta Melamed, Co-PI
Alfred Oloo
Joseph Mubiru
Kezia Mukasa
Betty Nakazzi Kyaddondo
Pauline Kilele
Richard Muga
Paul Anastasia
Eunice Owino
Charles Oyoo
Abstract:
The Georgia State University (GSU) Gerontology Institute, in partnership with a consortium of U.S. and East African governmental, non-governmental, academic, and community-based organizations, developed a one-year pilot model of support for older caregivers of orphans and vulnerable children in the Lake Victoria regions of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The G.E.N.O. project combined two arenas of intervention: 1) poverty reduction activities and 2) HIV/AIDS caregiving and prevention training.
Description:
G.E.N.O. partners included Kenyatta University (GSU’s gerontology partner institution); Global Health Action-Kenya; HelpAge International in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania; the Uganda Population Secretariat; the Kenya National Coordinating Agency for Population Development (NCAPD); Open Palm Welfare Services – Rakai District, Uganda; Kakelo-based Integrated Support Project, Kenya; Ahero Old Age Program, Kenya; and the Tanzania Red Cross Society.
Outcomes of focus group discussions and individual interviews showed that HIV/AIDS knowledge among older caregivers is limited, with some unaware of basic facts about the disease. Further, at least one-third of caregivers in each location reported that they do not discuss HIV/AIDS with the orphans in their households. Income-generating activity (IGA) analysis showed that the majority of caregivers engage in some form of work activity, primarily farm labor or sale of food items and other commodities. Many earn less than $2 US per day, receive no assistance from other family members, and look mainly to NGOs and faith-based organizations for subsistence support. Caregivers received basic HIV/AIDS prevention instruction and agricultural IGA start-up supplies, including small farm animals, as part of the project.
Outcomes of focus group discussions and individual interviews showed that HIV/AIDS knowledge among older caregivers is limited, with some unaware of basic facts about the disease. Further, at least one-third of caregivers in each location reported that they do not discuss HIV/AIDS with the orphans in their households. Income-generating activity (IGA) analysis showed that the majority of caregivers engage in some form of work activity, primarily farm labor or sale of food items and other commodities. Many earn less than $2 US per day, receive no assistance from other family members, and look mainly to NGOs and faith-based organizations for subsistence support. Caregivers received basic HIV/AIDS prevention instruction and agricultural IGA start-up supplies, including small farm animals, as part of the project.