Litshani Vhana-Vha-De Foundation

Social & Welfare services to the most disadvantaged, marginalized and vulnerable child welfare and OVC (orphans and vulnerable children) focus; gender equality and human rights promotion; welfare services in rural Vhembe; Child Welfare SA partner **Primary beneficiaries:** Orphans and vulnerable children; youth; women and men from disadvantaged, marginalised, and poor rural families and villages in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District — without discrimination on the basis of race or sexual orientation **Services and programmes:** - **Welfare services for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC)** — daily care for 150+ orphans, vulnerable and disadvantaged children; basic necessities (food, clothing); skills and talents development - **Youth development** — skills training, talents development, opportunities creation - **Gender equality and human rights promotion** — awareness and education on gender equality, human rights, and access to social justice, education, and employment - **Poverty reduction and hunger alleviation** — practical interventions addressing poverty, hunger, and unemployment - **Community empowerment** — building a sustainable, inclusive society - **Advocacy and radio outreach** — Vhembe FM partnerships for community-wide awareness - **AGM and community governance** — active board including community members from Gondeni Strekstroom; transparent community accountability **GBV relevance:** LVVF's child welfare and gender equality work are directly relevant to GBV prevention and response. In communities where children are raised in poverty, without food security, without parents (due to GBV-related deaths, HIV, or imprisonment), and without knowledge of their rights, the risk of future violence is high. LVVF's focus on OVC welfare, gender equality education, and community empowerment addresses these root causes.