Dell Computers assists Child Welfare South Africa to protect children

Today, Dell Computers announced its commitment to support the Kagiso Child Welfare Centre. The company will provide funding and other assistance to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Johannesburg, based on the Asibavikele model, a Xhosa/Zulu phrase that means: “let's protect them”.

This model was designed to train members of the community to identify vulnerable children who may have been orphaned or who are living in child-headed households. It also aims to raise community awareness about children affected by HIV/Aids.

“Dell believes in investing in the community to create positive transformation, and we hope to help as many orphaned and vulnerable children in the Kagiso region as possible. The OVC programme looks at using existing relationships within the community to encourage the referral of vulnerable children so that they can receive the necessary assistance to prevent them from falling victims of abuse, neglect, stigma, discrimination and exploitation,” says Stewart van Graan, GM of Dell Africa and MD of Dell South Africa.

Over the next three years, Dell will donate R3 million in cash and in kind contributions of technical equipment towards the initiative. The project will be renewed on an annual basis, based on its performance and compliance with reporting requirements.

As a result of the OVC programme and the training it provides, an estimated 400 children from Child Welfare SA will benefit from the trained healthcare workers who are able provide the essential support for their health and welfare.