Outreach Programme
Ubuntu
Our Ubuntu Project was established in 2012 in continuation of the Ibhongolwethu programme established in 2005 in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and the Khayelitsha Site B Community Health Clinic.
It is an innovative patient support programme for children and youth, living with HIV, focused on improving adherence to antiretroviral treatment, by offering joyful play, social connection, and a nutritious snack during their clinic visits, helping to reduce stress and build resilience.
The programme delivers activities that create a fun environment as a base for children to play and learn. Sessions are facilitated by instructors who create a sense of belonging and display support; deliver memorable experiences to instil a positive association with clinic visits and thereby encourage treatment adherence. Through the sessions, we highlight the need to maintain good physical health and fitness. With the support of sponsors, we provide healthy snacks and fresh fruit after sessions, which emphasises the importance of good nutrition.
We also provide much-needed support and relief for parents, teachers and caregivers while on site.
Social Challenge
Children with chronic illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk for psychiatric issues like depression, anxiety, and isolation. They also face social challenges such as stigmatization, discrimination, and altered relationships.
Programme Goal
To use circus arts as a tool to give participants the opportunity to experience recreation and social interaction outside of their normal environments.
Impact
The programme was well-received by participants and clinic staff alike at the Community Health Clinic, Site B Khayelitsha. This is testimony to the trust clinic staff and caregivers have in Zip Zap staff and their confidence in the programme. The children were engaged with fun activities and games, which encouraged physical activity and fitness assisting to maintain overall health and well-being. The children welcomed the healthy distractions while they waited to attend their appointments. Through the programme, the children were encouraged to visit the clinic regularly and continue with their treatment plans and showed it through their excitement and enthusiasm for the programme.
The children really appreciated the snacks and fruit provided by Zip Zap, which remains a very effective and practical way of reinforcing the value of good nutrition. Sitting together and sharing a meal is central to the concept of “ubuntu”, and this helps to create a sense of community among participants.
Number of Sessions
Beneficiaries
“We have noticed that the number of our children remaining in care has improved, which was always our headache, and we have few children that do not come on their appointment dates. The viral load suppression rate has also improved which shows that there is now a good adherence and compliance to these cohorts. Thanks to Zip Zap.”
– Medical Staff member
For more information on how to join one of our programmes, email
Sponsors
Programme Success
The Ubuntu programme is a welcome fixture at the Community Health Clinic in Site B, Khayelitsha. In his first year at the clinic, the Operations Manager observed the positive impact of the programme on the young patients and is keen that the partnership continues.
He is so impressed with the programme and convinced of Zip Zap’s commitment to help young people develop that he has requested our input and possible collaboration as they consider extending support services to youth aged 14-25 years, in the hope that they will persist with their recommended treatment plans.
Donate
We rely entirely on donations to change lives. Our students don’t pay for any classes.
Donate today and dream with us →
