The Chipole Development Program (CDP) is an officially registered non-governmental organization (registration number 17 NGO / 0889) founded in 2002 by the St. Agnes African Sisters of Chipole. Our sisters saw a large number of HIV patients in their clinic and began to investigate the nine surrounding villages to understand the true HIV situation. We learned that there are a large number of HIV patients and many orphaned children due to one or both parents dying from AIDS. At the same time, we discovered a significant number of grandparents (themselves elderly and sick) now caring for their grandchildren and a considerable population of vulnerable children who have parents who are too poor or physically unable to adequately care for their children. The sisters decided to offer a program through our clinic that is dedicated to these populations.
To expand our community outreach, we identified unchallenged youth engaged in undesirable behaviors (e.g., drugs, alcohol, and theft). We have encouraged them to unite to develop and implement group projects to improve their lives. In doing so, they will be less likely to engage in behavior that transmits HIV or that negatively affects their lives and health.
Our main goal is to provide hope for the future by educating orphans and vulnerable children. If these groups receive proper education, then they will be healthier, more self-sufficient and more independent as they live their lives. We hope that by educating these populations, particularly the girls, then society will change positively, so that health and standard of living is improved. To do this, we must raise funds for school fees, school materials and books, uniforms, medication, food and housing. The youth population is a dangerous group in terms of HIV transmission. To encourage them to become productive members of society and to positively change their lives, capital is needed to fund their activities so they can begin income-generating work. We have received some funding from the Hilton Foundation to partially support the orphans and from TACAIDS for HIV/AIDS patients. To continue with current projects, to expand, and to develop new programs, CDP needs your support.
The impact of HIV/AIDS is extensive, and CDP has added additional programs according to need. Please read below to learn more about CDP's programs and successes.
St. Agnes Convent - Chipole
Post Office Box 16
Peramiho
Tanzania, East Africa
Main Phone: 025 2602463
Email: info@chipolestagnes.org
Chipole Development Program
Orphans and vulnerable children
Widows and Widowers: In this program, at least one spouse has died from AIDS. The surviving spouse is still strong but may feel despondent and that life lacks meaning. To reinforce positive thoughts and actions, CDP has facilitated these people into groups, where participants can take advantage of collective funds to define and develop revenue-generating projects. There are currently groups in the villages of Magagura, Lusonga, Nakahegwa and Masangu.
Aged: The elderly are the majority caregivers and providers for grandchildren, who are frequently orphaned due to HIV/AIDS and malaria. This population is often poor, sick, and heavily burdened by caring for their granchildren. Because they are so poor and have no one to care for them, the aged are totally dependent upon CDP for their health care needs, food, and clothing.
Orphans and Vulnerable Children: There are over 1,250 orphans and vulnerable children in the community who are residing with frail and elderly grandparents or impoverished extended family members. CDP has managed to help 230 of these children to attend school but require assistance to maintain this level and to enable even more children to attend school. It costs approximately $150 per year for primary school fees and supplies. The older youth are in danger of HIV transmission. Girls, in particular, have little to no chance of furthering their education and often have early pregnancies and exposure to HIV. Piggeries, goats (for milk), fish ponds, tailoring, carpentry, and gardening are all income-generating projects, and the youth are very willing and ready to work; however, they lack capital. CDP hopes to provide start-up capital to fund these types of projects. Additionally, CDP would also like to establish a partnering friendship with youth organizations outside of Africa to challenge these youth, to expose them to other lifestyles and ways of thinking, and build and foster global citizenship.
Disabled: The disabled population is a needy one. CDP has identified the disabled in all nine villages surrounding Chipole. Many of these people are capable of working but lack a support system, leaving them feeling rejected and dependent on others. Therefore, CDP has been working to develop groups in which they can join together in income-generating projects. Some of these groups may focus on sewing or other hand crafts, according to the capabilities of each individual.
Clinic Support: The Sisters of St. Agnes in Chipole provide free clinic access and services as part of its CDP program. HIV/AIDS patients, the aged, the disabled, orphans, and vulnerable children all receive free medication and examinations. For those unable to travel to the clinic, a nurse and nurse assistant make home-based visits. The number of HIV patients is increasing every day, and that puts an enormous strain on resources. The dispensary is constantly in need of antimalarial medicine, antibiotics, cough syrup, skin ointments, and medication for asthma and rheumatism.
Successes: (1) Have helped 230 community orphans by providing them with exercise books, uniforms, shoes, T-shirts, blankets, mosquito nets, mattresses, socks and medication. (2) Have provided clinic access and care to over 200 vulnerable children whose families are too poor or physically unable to support them. (3) Have provided clinic access and care to over 100 HIV/AIDS patients, offering weekly care and bimonthly visits with physicians. (4) Have created a group of HIV/AIDS patients who manage an animal husbandry effort, using chickens and pigs as a means of supporting their families; of providing for their families’ futures; and of achieving fulfilling, rewarding and productive lives. (5) Have formed groups of youth to fight against poverty and HIV by guiding and encouraging them to use their time, energy and minds productively.
