AIDSbuzz

Contact person: Dr Maureen van Wyk
Tel: 021 461 7348
Fax: 021 461 7953
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.wc-nacosa.co.za
Address: 6th Floor, Norlen House, Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8000
PO Box 6358 Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012 

WC NACOSA aims to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS by promoting effective multi-sectoral dialogue and networking, and by increasing the capacity of NPOs working in this field in the Western Cape Province. It does this by:

•  Providing training and mentoring workshops and programmes, as well as technical resources and information material
•  Working with NPOs, government and business to try and create an effective multi-sector response to the epidemic. WC NACOSA also networks with other national and international organisations with similar objectives
•  Maintaining an up-to-date database of all its member organisations (over 700) and providing a regular newsletter
  
•  Providing a forum for all the NPOs working with HIV and AIDS in the Western Province
•  Providing funds in the form of small grants for organisations starting up or existing ones wanting to increase their capacity.

The organisation has developed a 10-Step Programme to help increase the effectiveness and delivery of NPOs. It has also produced the WC NACOSA Toolkit, which is a manual covering the topics that are taught in programme.

Below is a summary of the topics covered in the 10-Step Programme.

1. STRATEGIC RESPONSE: covering an analysis of the needs of the community, and an identification of the HIV priorities and vision for the project.

2. GETTING STARTED: establishing the organisation, development of a mission and constitution, and NPO registration.

3. THE PLAN: operational programme- development of business plans with clear goals, objectives, activities and budgets.

4. SECURING FUNDS: how to write funding proposals.

5. REPORTING AND EVALUATING: how to write reports and do evaluations.

6. PROJECT MAINTENANCE: developing or improving financial and management systems.

7. GET CONNECTED: developing partnerships with other organisations and government departments

8. GET INFORMED: training programmes to address skills and knowledge gaps.

9. EVALUATION: evaluation of organisation, and changes that need to be made.

10. CARING FOR THE CARER: promoting a healthy organisation through active support and supervision.

CHAIN (Children’s HIV and AIDS Network)

CHAIN is a subsidiary of WC NACOSA that focuses on building the capacity of organisations working with children affected and infected by HIV and AIDS. It maintains a separate database of its member organisations (over 100), which is available on request.