Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

Introduction and Objectives for Topic 5

Once children know that they or a member of their family is HIV positive and will die, they are

emotionally affected. Guardians, teachers and relatives often witness a range of strong emotional

reactions in children, including grief, anger, denial and despair. It is important to understand these

reactions and to be able to support children struggling with grief and bereavement, and their fear

of an uncertain future.

The psychological and social effects of depression amongst children, families and communities

should not be underestimated. Many people who have not been able to have the benefits of

counselling after grieving for their loved ones, may become severly depressed to the point of not

being able to function properly. They may lose interest in their own lives, neglect the children in

their care, the general maintenance of homesteads and food crops, and their own basic hygiene.

All these may be signs of general disfunctionality due to depression.

As home visitors, participants should be aware of the signs of grieving and the signs of depression

in both the children they visit and the guardians who look after them. Home visitors will monitor

for grieving and depression in the communities that the work in, and this should be discussed within

the CCC and strategies formulated to help people in the community who are suffering.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic, participants will be able to:

 Explain the meaning of grief.

 Discuss signs and symptoms of grief in children.

 Discuss children’s understanding of death in relation to what age they are.

 Discuss ways of preparing children for the death of a loved one.

 Discuss different ways of supporting children through grief and bereavement.

(^186) Unit 2, Module 2 Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children