The purpose of this chapter is to establish an understanding of the state of children in South Africa, to understand the contributing factors to their vulnerability – affecting their quality of life on a multi-dimensional level, and the impact of HIV and AIDS as one of the primary contributors to children’s vulnerability. In light of the information provided within this chapter, the full extent of the basic needs of children in South Africa could provide a foundation for understanding the church’s past successes and failures in order to promote a possible urgent consideration of new approaches.

the state of children

There is an urgent call for the involvement of faith-based organisations (FBO, like the church), non-governmental organisations (NGO) and local governments to assist in addressing the needs of vulnerable children (Blackman, 2007; Musa, 2005; Olsen, Knight & Foster, 2006; Stephenson, Gourley, & Miles, 2004). This urgent call stems is in light of the poor quality of life for these children, as well as the contributing factor of the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

The church and other FBO’s have been recognised by various authors and organisations in their partnership and role in community-based organisations (CBO) (Hoff, 1998; Olson, Messinger, Sutherland & Astone, 2005; Olson, Knight & Foster, 2006; Unruh & Sider, 2005). The role of churches is widely