“I’m passionate about the well-being of children”: The Caseworker on a mission to improve the welfare of OVC in Bamenda

Providing appropriate care for vulnerable children, especially those living with HIV, can be challenging for families and society, says Thelma Tangni. She intends to change that.

Tangni works as a caseworker at the Cameroon Medical Women's Association (CMWA), a sub-recipient implementing partner of the CoSMO Project. She has taken on a mission to contribute in her small way to improve the welfare of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), particularly those living with HIV, in her community.

According to her, her love and passion for children drive her to go into the communities and provide services to disadvantaged children and families.

"I'm passionate about the well-being of people, especially children. That's what made me join the CoSMO Project," says Tangni.

She says I value good health greatly and strongly believe that it is the key to success. When one is healthy, nothing is impossible. This is why I am motivated to work with the OVC Project, as a caseworker.

"My main duties include conducting assessments, developing case management service plans, coordinating services, and providing advocacy and psychosocial support to OVC within a specific household. I am dedicated to fulfilling these responsibilities and always strive to go above and beyond to meet them."

It is currently 11:00 AM on January 25th, 2024, in the bustling neighbourhood of Mile 4, Nkwen. Despite the chilly weather, Tangni has already cycled through the dusty streets to her home visit appointment. As she enters the house, the warm camaraderie, high fives, and hugs exchanged among the members indicate the progress she has made in helping Emile and his family understand that he can still lead a normal life while living with HIV

"Each time I come for a home visit like this after the greeting, we always revisit the discussion handled in the previous month, make an evaluation improvement, and identify a new need and how we can meet it," she said while immediately engaging Emile and his guardian on the day's topic.

"Emile, during our home visit today, we discussed the trade you wanted to learn. Can you please let me know what you've decided?" she asked Emile with a warm smile, looking at him intently.

After discussing with Emile and his family for 30 minutes, Tangni double-checks her planned activities. "Emile, could you please bring me your pillbox?" she requests. Emile then walks into the living room and returns with the pillbox

"Emile, according to our records, you have not missed a day of taking your medication since the 25th, which is today. This is great news!" says the caseworker, giving Emile a high-five.

Just like Emile, the caseworkers of the CoSMO project travel daily across 10 regions of Cameroon to visit 65000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in 68 districts where the project is implemented.

CoSMO is a USAID-PEPFAR-funded project implemented by the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC). ?