Mobiliser Reference 4 Identifying OVC
World Vision’s Definition of OVC:Orphans: Children below 18 years of age who have lost either a mother, a father, or both
parents to any cause.Vulnerable childreninclude:
Children whose parents are chronically ill.These children are often even more vulnerable than
orphans because they are coping with the psychosocial burden of watching a parent
become increasingly ill and frail; and the economic burdens of reduced household
productivity and income and increased health care expenses.Children living in households that have taken in orphans.When a household absorbs orphans,
existing household resources must be spread more thinly among all children in the
household.Children with physical or intellectual disabilities, whether they are orphans or not. Through
discrimination, fear and lack of understanding, children with disabilities are often under-
valued, and face neglect and malnutrition. These children are often hidden and rarely attend
school. They are often more likely to suffer sexual abuse and violence and are least likely
to have access to information about HIV and how to avoid infection.Other children the community identifies as most vulnerable, using criteria developed by the
community. One of the critical criteria will be the poverty level of the household.At the community level, defining OVC is complex and should not be dictated by others.
Not all orphans may be vulnerable, and some of the most vulnerable children may not fall
into the categories that have been defined here. The term ‘AIDS orphans’ should not be
used because parents rarely know their HIV status. The term may lead to stigmatisation
and discrimination against orphans.(^50) Unit 1, Module 2 Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children