HOPEHIV is especially interested in supporting new initiatives or approaches where the lessons learned can be shared with others. We are committed to trying bold ideas and trialing cutting edge programmes which can then be used elsewhere.
A significant part of our work in this area has been around developing creative arts therapies to help orphans to express and deal with the grief and trauma they often face, which can hold them back from a fulfilling future. For many damaged children, especially those who are very young, expressing deep rooted emotions verbally is impossible to do. Creative arts can provide a safe and contained way for these children to explore their deepest feelings,
Our support has trained organisations and volunteers to use memory boxes with pictures, stories and parents' memorabilia that comfort children who are orphaned. For an example of this work, go to our Sinomlando Project, working in partnership with the University of Kwa Zulu Natal.
HOPEHIV have also pioneered a creative arts training program called The Firemaker Project where art, drama and play therapists have worked together to design, trial and deliver a safe, structured training program that equips many other organisations to help children of all ages to communicate deep-rooted emotions in a safe and healing way.