The symposium, scheduled for 29 - 30 June, in Johannesburg, South Africa, aims to provide an opportunity for researchers from all academic disciplines, and practitioners conducting 'action research' in work environments, to present and discuss their work on HIV/AIDS in the workplace. It is organised by members of the Wits Schools of Business, Economics, Law, Public Health and Social Sciences.

The Symposium themes include: Exploring tensions, contradictions and opportunities around HIV/AIDS programmes in the workplace; Projections vs. Reality - the real impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace; Workplace Programmes in the era of treatment - what is best practice? HIV/AIDS and the 'atypical' workplace; Workplace and Society - are there boundaries in responding to HIV/AIDS at work?

For more information:
www.comminit.com
or Email: [email protected]

This framework and resource guide is intended to help people involved in programs assisting orphans and vulnerable children conduct a situation analysis. It is hoped that this guide will bring about a better understanding of the essential elements and outcomes of a situation analysis in order to promote realistic, effective, and feasible interventions to protect and improve the well-being of the children and families who bear the greatest impact of the AIDS epidemic. The guide serves as a tool for collecting and synthesizing in-country and sub-national information. Examples of situation analyses and related research are provided throughout the document to draw upon the variety of approaches, and their components, that communities and institutions have undertaken to assess their particular situation. We hope that these will be used as applicable lessons from actual experience.

To download a copy of "Conducting a situation analysis of orphans & vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS : a framework and resource guide" go to:

www.dec.org

A social worker in New York City has developed a support group for children whose parents have HIV/AIDS and is hoping to transfer the design and lessons learned to interested parties for the benefit of more children worldwide.

The support group combines aspects of play and talk therapy, alternative medicine and relaxation exercises, and cognitive therapy to help children cope. It also addresses prevention through education about issues relating to STD's, sexual abuse, and violence. It has components on discussing feelings, AIDS education, building self- esteem, self-care, and advocacy work.

The group is aimed at children aged from 7-10, but is easily adaptable to other age groups. The original design can be implemented with very few materials and little manpower, making it ideal for community-based organisations in developing countries with few resources. The curriculum includes suggestions for adaptation to other cultures and substitution of materials, it is flexible and can be modified for use with other populations, such as children with cancer, child witnesses of domestic violence, and other needs.

For more information contact the author:

Karen Landmann, CSW
936 West End Avenue #F7
New York, NY 10025, USA
Tel. +1-212-866-2822
Email: [email protected]