RISIHA (a Xitsonga word for “resilience” ) programme is a community-based child protection programme aimed at protecting orphans and vulnerable children some of whom are living in child and youth headed households, chronic health conditions as well as those living and working on the streets. When initially conceptualised, the programme was targeted at providing care and support services for children affected by HIV and AIDS as many were left without parents/primary caregivers.

With the rise in the number of vulnerable children, its scope has since been extended to include all children in need of care and protection. The programme seeks to strengthen families and communities as the first line of response in the child protection system, with particular focus on children living in disadvantaged communities.

The programme is implemented through the deployment of Child and Youth Care Workers, a cohort of social service professionals who render direct, day to day, prevention, early intervention and care and support services within the life spaces of children.

The RISIHA programme is run at BCS with 9 staff members who cater to over 500 vulnerable children within the Delft community through the following programs:
– Childcare & Protection
– Psychosocial Support
– HIV and AIDS Support
– Health Promotion
– Food & Nutrition
– Economic Strength
– Education Support