Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Why is the organisation called "Rehoboth"?

2. How can I help?

3. Why not provide care in the extended family of the children?

4. In what way is Rehoboth taking care of HIV-orphans?

5. Do locals recognize the need which Rehoboth fulfills and do they support the project?

6. Does Rehoboth support the care of HIV-orphans within the extended family, if possible?

7. Is Rehoboth also involved in setting up an HIV care delivery system?

8. How does Rehoboth fit in with other organisations?

9. What about stigma towards AIDS?

10. Can I adopt a child from Rehoboth?

 

1. Why is the organisation called "Rehoboth"?

Rehoboth comes from the bible verse Genesis 26:22. The story is about Isaac's shepherds who kept moving away from the Philistines due to the fighting over wells. When they eventually moved far enough that there was no more fighting, they dug a well and named it “Rehoboth”. Rehoboth means “to receive space to flourish in the land. The symbolism behind the name Rehoboth is that God is the One providing room (space) to take care of orphaned children who have no families to look after them. It is a privilege to take care of such children at Rehoboth, hoping/striving that they will grow and flourish into mature and healthy adults.

 

2. How can I help?

You can help in several ways:

A. As a volunteer.

B. As a financial supporter.
C. As a local representative.

D. Sponsor a child

 

Further details about the ways to sponsor us are find under the menu button Support Us.

 

Please contact us by mail, if you have any questions or would like to help us. We will be happy to provide you with more information on how to become involved. You can contact us at: info@rehoboth.org.za

 

3. Why not provide care in the extended family of the children?

Rehoboth has chosen to serve and care for a special target group, namely children that have no family or extended family anymore. Without intervention, they are likely to remain hospitalised until their death. Rehoboth wants to take loving care of this special target group - orphaned children living with HIV/AIDS.

 

4. In what way is Rehoboth taking care of HIV-orphans?

Rehoboth has a 5-way holistic approach and takes care of children in the following areas: spiritual, emotional, physical, intellectual and medical. Rehoboth is unique in this way, by providing high quality family life to a group of children with special needs. Click here to read more about the 5-way holistic approach.

 

5. Do locals recognize the need which Rehoboth fulfills and do they support the project?

People working in HIV care in the KwaZulu-Natal area and community have identified the need to care for orphans living with HIV/AIDS. They see the Rehoboth approach as a viable programme and are in strong support of our efforts (see Endorsements).

 

6. Does Rehoboth support the care of HIV-orphans within the extended family, if possible?

The children that Rehoboth is targeting is a specific group. There is a functional HIV care programme, operating at the community level, that tries to ensure that all children are cared for within the extended family and within the community setting, which is a preferred option if at all possible. The children Rehoboth looks after, either have no extended family or their needed special treatment is too complicated and therefore it is not possible for them to be placed within the community. Having a social worker on site helps us track down families and encourage extended families to visit a child. When a bond forms and further investigation shows that the found family member is a suitable caretaker for the child, we start an intensive reunification programme. When we feel a child is ready to make the move to their new home, the child is reunified with its relative.

 

7. Is Rehoboth also involved in setting up an HIV care delivery system?

Other areas of HIV care such as home-base care or hospice care are already offered by other NGO's (Non Governmental Organisations) or government departments, leading to a strong community based HIV care delivery system. Rehoboth therefore focuses on caring for orphaned children living with HIV/AIDS in tight relation with the local hospitals.

 

8. How does Rehoboth fit in with other organisations?

Rehoboth is closely linked to the Murchison hospital; a the local government hospital with a good "mission-minded" administration. Through good medical services they support the Rehoboth team in offering the necessary medical care to the infected children. Without such support, this care system would not be possible. A close network has been established with all other HIV related stakeholders within the area and region. This network is called the UGU AIDS Alliance. Rehoboth has been one of the founders of this network. See also uaa.org.za for more details. Rehoboth is also a member of the CINDI network.  Also, Rehoboth has established very good relationships with other key role-players like Social Development, Department of Health, KZN Housing, UGU Municipality, Hibiscus Coast Municipality and in this way is ensuring appropriate assistance if needed.

 

9. What about stigma towards AIDS?

Stigma and fear are very real and present in the local community. Rehoboth tries to break through this barrier by teaching our staff and their family and friends the truth about AIDS. Rehoboth staff also battle with this terrible disease and although they see what our care is doing to the quality of life of the children, the stigma and fear keeps some from coming forward to ask for help and medical care. We want to reach out to all our staff with the love of Christ and support them and their families in every possible way.

 

10. Can I adopt a child from Rehoboth?

Yes, there are possibilities to adopt a child from Rehoboth. Click here to read more.