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RSS
South Africa
Despite South Africa's vast natural resources and great wealth, over 50% of the population lives in poverty. More than 5.3 million people are living with HIV/AIDS — the highest number of any country in the world. Approximately 22% of the population in the 15 to 49 age range is infected.
Episcopal Relief & Development is collaborating with HOPE Africa, the social development agency of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa. The partnership focuses on strengthening the capacity of HOPE Africa and the Church to be catalysts for change at the community level and help improve the lives of millions of South Africans dealing with entrenched poverty and discrimination, chronic hunger and the deadly scourge of HIV/AIDS. A major part of HOPE Africa’s work is training Anglican clergy in advocacy, community development, leadership and public policy through a university-level course on poverty and development.
Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
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A home-based program provides personal care to those with HIV/AIDS. Support groups educate and encourage caregivers and relatives of orphaned children, and HIV/AIDS awareness workshops train clergy and community leaders to teach prevention methods and urge voluntary testing and treatment.
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A legal aid program helps those affected by HIV/AIDS and their families to access social grants and resolve inheritance issues.
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Computer and job skills training, as well as sewing cooperatives, allow for increased earning potential for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Alleviating Hunger and Improving Food Supply
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An agricultural training program uses tracts of diocesan-owned land to teach environmentally sustainable farming practices that increase crop production.
Creating Economic Opportunities and Strengthening Communities
- Agricultural programs improve socioeconomic conditions by creating jobs and encouraging participation of the local community.
- The Anglican Church of Southern Africa created the College of the Transfiguration to build a dedicated group of clergy who will provide professional development knowledge to projects and integrate the physical needs of the people with the spiritual call to serve.
- Hope Africa is working to build the capacity of the Diocese of Lebombo by creating a social development office. The diocese is piloting an agricultural program that will include a baseline study to understand the communities' needs. Once the study is completed, the diocese will assess what programs should be initiated to increase the food supply and address hunger.
