This study investigated and evaluated the success and impact of the foodstuff package intervention that is offered by SOS Children’s Villages to households affected by HIV and AIDS. The study population comprised households who were involved in the food parcel distribution intervention, those affected by HIV and AIDS, those individuals who were able to talk freely about their lives as full participants and recipients of food parcels, and those aged 18 years and older. This study determined how food parcel intervention promotes self-sufficiency post-intervention. This was determined by interviewing recipients of food parcels from 2010 to 2018. The food parcel dissemination has been a core intervention to families affected by HIV and AIDS, but yielded very little progress towards assisting people to reach self-reliance. The aim of the study was to gain an understanding of the food parcel intervention using a qualitative research design. This study focused only on families affected by HIV and AIDS, including young people aged eighteen years and above. The study was based on a purposive sampling method with in-depth and focus group interviews as a means of collecting data. The results and implications of this study are discussed in depth in this research report. Essentially, the findings of this study could inform the development of policies and strategies to be considered for possible implementation by NGO’s and government in supporting family units affected by HIV and AIDS. / Sociology / M.A. (Social and Behavioural Studies in HIV and AIDS)

The research is about African women living with HIV and women grieving the death of loved ones as a result of AIDS. We discuss the women's preferred care for the ill person and for the family as well as for the bereaved family. We consider together the effects of HIV/AIDS in the community: the stigma attached to the disease and the fears of people that they may contract HIV. The women and I acknowledge the closely woven relationships between faith and culture in a predominantly Xhosa community. Participatory action research is used and contextual feminist theology within a postmodern social construction approach to narrative pastoral therapy. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)

The research is about African women living with HIV and women grieving the death of loved ones as a result of AIDS. We discuss the women's preferred care for the ill person and for the family as well as for the bereaved family. We consider together the effects of HIV/AIDS in the community: the stigma attached to the disease and the fears of people that they may contract HIV. The women and I acknowledge the closely woven relationships between faith and culture in a predominantly Xhosa community. Participatory action research is used and contextual feminist theology within a postmodern social construction approach to narrative pastoral therapy. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)