Children affected by HIV, many of whom are Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVCs), need different support and assistance to ensure their development, survival, and future success. Programmes that target these children have traditionally focused on strengthening the capacity of family and community networks to meet their needs and guarantee access and resources for the most disadvantaged as well as raise awareness and mobilise social resources.

New thinking in this area has also begun to look at economic strengthening and empowerment as meaningful ways of addressing the needs of this marginalised group. A range of emerging initiatives have begun to test new approaches to supporting this group. Existing methodologies have also been adapted to meet their special needs.

One such existing methodology is the Aflatoun programme of Child Social and Financial Education. The Aflatoun programme provides children with an activity-based curriculum that develops key life skills and provides opportunities for them to practice saving and entrepreneurship. The programme is delivered by organisations belonging to the Aflatoun network. They are responsible for the contextualisation and the adaption of the Aflatoun materials for their country or context. This programme is currently being implemented by over 50 organisations in over 40 developing and developed countries.