Integrating A Mentorship Component in Programming for Care and Support of AIDS-Orphaned and Vulnerable Children: Lessons from the Suubi and Bridges Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa

Fred M Ssewamala; Proscovia Nabunya; N Miriam Mukasa; Vilma Ilic; Jennifer Nattabi

doi:10.1007/s40609-014-0008-7

Integrating A Mentorship Component in Programming for Care and Support of AIDS-Orphaned and Vulnerable Children: Lessons from the Suubi and Bridges Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa

Glob Soc Welf. 2014 Mar 1;1(1):9-24. doi: 10.1007/s40609-014-0008-7.

Authors

Fred M Ssewamala¹, Proscovia Nabunya², N Miriam Mukasa³, Vilma Ilic⁴, Jennifer Nattabi⁴

Affiliations

¹ Columbia University School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Asset Development, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, United States ; University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration, 969 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States.
² University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration, 969 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States.
³ Columbia University School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Asset Development, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, United States ; New York University, McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy & Research, 1 Washington Square North, New York, NY, 10003, United States.
⁴ Columbia University School of Social Work, International Center for Child Health and Asset Development, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, United States.

Abstract

Purpose: We examine a mentorship component within a family-based economic empowerment intervention for AIDS-orphaned children in Uganda.

Method: Mentorship was guided by a comprehensive 9-session curriculum. We present themes developed from the mentors' field reports and logs.

Results: Findings suggest that mentorship offers AIDS-orphaned children opportunities to develop and strengthen future plans. Moreover, the mentorship process was beneficial to both the mentees and their mentors. The program creates a positive life trajectory for a highly vulnerable group of youth.

Conclusion: The findings can be used to understand and design mentorship programs targeted at improving the psychosocial wellbeing of children and adolescents.

Abstract

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