- South Africa (RSA) has the largest number of people living with HIV&AIDS (PLWHA) in the world, over 5.3 million , with 1.1 million orphans.
- Families are under increased strain as more caregivers fall ill and die.
- It has become a matter of urgency to find new ways of dealing with these tendencies and to strengthen the knowledge and skills of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC)’s and Home Visitors, and provide them with appropriate education to build stronger, more gender-equitable relationships, reduce risk behaviour and improve wellbeing and sexual health.
Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Empowerment Project 2008
The Holistic Soul-Body Institute (HSBI) was contracted by World Vision South Africa (WVSA), funded by USAID PEPFAR to present ‘The Courage to Become ME TM’ A NEW MODEL FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT to 1000 OVC’s (Orphaned and Vulnerable Children) aged between 12 and 17. This was done in remote rural areas with limited resources.
The mandate of 1000 OVC’s was exceeded and remarkable results were found in a very short time from implementation. |
“I feel empowered because now Iknow I am unique and special and my life is in my hand and I know or I am proud of my self because I am valuable I values. I have learn something like I didn’t know your attitude can indulute (influence) the way you wear or dress I have learn when I grow I grow in my mind and I think differently. I have learn to respect other so that they can be able to respect me now I know I wear short skirt I disrespect my self and I have to respect my self first.” – 16 years |
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Dancing Tango!
Find out more about why we use the Tango here.

“I know many things from those book and I have learn many thing that I didn’t know and I feel strong now. In those books I learn about a person who is empowered and non-empowered. I have learn to love, to be honest, to respect my self and other people. I see there are some changes in life. I have learn to be honest to people and to respect everyone whether you are young or adult, and to love people and to understand. I have learn to say no when I don’t want something or to do something that I don’t want to. I have learn not to sex if you are young or not ready to. I have learn to do poetry. I have enjoy everything that we have doing. I have enjoy to learn, to play, to dance and to do poems I really enjoy everything that we have doing.” – 15 years
Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Empowerment Project 2009
The Courage to Become ME training programme was evolved and improved to include more information and more practical dance. See our new program here. We included an additional learning course called 'Walk the Tango' with wonderful results. We extended our reach, and are now working in Limpopo, Freestate and Eastern Cape. We have so far, this year, reached close to 7000 OVCs and 700 Home Visitors. We are shortly starting Peer Support Group Training with our learners.
A relationship has been forged between the HV’s, ADP staff and HSBI staff that will be benefited from in the continuation and further development of the project. With these relationships already in place we have seen speedier results, exponential changes and unlimited growth within both individuals and their communities. See our learner comments below.
Using Tango as a Teaching Methodology within the
Psychological Health and Wellness Program for Children

Teaching youths to relate the lessons learnt in Tango to every day life:
- Relationships
- Self confidence
- Co-operation
- Communication
- Awareness of body language
- Respect
- Saying "No" and meaning it
- Accepting "No" as an answer
- Risk behaviour prevention and management
- Having Fun!
Learner Comments and Feedback:
"What did you learn during the Courage to Become ME and from 'Walking the Tango'?"
17 year old female OVC: “I can see or feel when somebody is not happy by reading their body languages. Because you have to respect your partner, the person you are dancing with.” |
15 year old male OVC: “(Dance) My attitude was good and fantastic so I am proud. Helped me that to exercise every day so I can forget negative things and helpe me with my emotions.” |
27 year old male Home Visitor: “I can differetiate between them when there is something bothers them, I start enjoy been around my fellow. It’s connects me with fellows to be used to others and be talkative and trust my self about disition that I make and believe in me.” |
30 year old female Home Visitor: “(Relationships) Developed by not judging others. Everyone can be a leader. Other can be following. Being aware of our attitude and others can make a big change in our daily lifes.” |
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