Project idea
The Not Superfluous Children project is a social initiative focused on supporting and empowering adolescents and young people living with HIV, particularly those with a history of orphanhood. The program spans seven regions of Russia where HIV infection rates are among the highest.
The primary goal of the project is to reduce the refusal of life-saving therapy among adolescents with HIV, a critical factor in preventing child mortality and curbing the spread of the virus. In addition, the project aims to enhance the social skills, responsible behavior, and emotional well-being of participants while offering essential psychological support.
To achieve these goals, the project adopts a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Educational Trainings: Training regional professionals and holding monthly club sessions for mentors, teens, and parents.
- Psychological Support: Offering individual counseling and ongoing monitoring of relationships between adolescents and their mentors.
- Resilience Building: Conducting final trainings and diagnostics to evaluate the progress of participants.
- Support for Legal Guardians: Facilitating group work with parents and guardians to strengthen their interactions with adolescents and resolve conflicts.
This project has the potential to directly impact over 270 adolescents living with HIV and, through social networks, indirectly reach up to 1,350 people, contributing to reducing the spread of HIV among youth.
The Not Superfluous Children project is a multi-layered program designed to equip HIV-positive adolescents with the skills and knowledge to improve their quality of life and prevent further transmission of the virus. By providing educational, psychological, and social support, the project aims to create lasting positive change for both the participants and their wider communities.
Relevance
The “Not Superfluous Children” project plays a crucial role in addressing many of the social and psychological challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV. Many of these young people grow up in single-parent families or foster care, which often leads to social isolation and difficulty in adjusting to their environment. Research indicates that 45% of adolescents receiving treatment at the Republican Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital are at risk of social maladaptation, which negatively impacts their adherence to life-saving therapy.
This project offers a holistic approach, combining specialist support with a nurturing environment for learning and communication. This is especially critical given that only 30% of these adolescents live with both parents, while 44% are in foster care. Among them, treatment adherence problems are seen in 22% of adolescents from single-parent households and 14% of those in foster care, underscoring the urgent need for this project.
Support of the Not Superfluous Children project is essential because it helps improve adolescents’ commitment to treatment and increases their chances of successful social integration. In Russia, 361 children with HIV reside in institutions, with 273 children aged 9 to 18 in dire need of this type of support. The project also provides families and caregivers with the tools to manage crises caused by treatment refusals, which can prevent adolescents from returning to institutions.
Ultimately, the project creates an environment where HIV-positive adolescents receive the support, education, and care they need to thrive, which is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Supporting this project is vital to enhancing the quality of life for adolescents with HIV, preventing their social isolation, and facilitating their adaptation to society. This not only benefits the young people directly but also contributes to a healthier, more inclusive society.
Social effect
Improving adherence to treatment and preventing the spread of HIV among adolescents across seven regions of Russia.
KPI
KPI
Project Results
75 teen groups were held where 189 teens developed resilience skills, constructive problem solving skills.
105 adolescents attended HIV training sessions, which enhanced their understanding of HIV and provided them with new skills for managing life with the virus.
During 54 parent club meetings, 108 foster parents enhanced their stress management abilities and improved their parenting knowledge, helping them build stronger family relationships.
With the help of group and individual counseling from psychologists, 80 mentors improved their stress management skills and strengthened their relationships with their mentees.
Over 88 monthly training sessions, 24 regional specialists expanded their knowledge on building resilience in children and adolescents living with HIV.
Project progress after CSS funding
Following the completion of CSS funding, the development of the Not Superfluous Children project will be sustained by integrating resilience training into the methodological framework of the Children Plus Foundation. This will foster better socialization outcomes for HIV-positive adolescents.
Additionally, an HIV-specific module will be incorporated into the curriculum of the Russian Foster Parent School. Various fundraising platforms and the childrenplus.ru website will be used to generate additional financial support.
The foundation is also actively seeking corporate partners to ensure the continued success of the program, particularly in supporting orphans.
