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HOPE Philosophy
Anyone working in the field of HIV/AIDS needs to become a comprehensive care giver, advisor, educator and counsellor in the diverse cultural and social contexts of South Africa.  They need to be skilled in assisting in the different aspects of a healthy life: physical, psychological, social, financial, educational and spiritual. 

HOPE Cape Town realised that community based education and support is most effective when it is offered in the language and manner of the target group.  It is the policy of HOPE to employ people from the target community and to give them the necessary training to become the HIV/AIDS “expert” in that community health centre.

The Community Health Workers
Most of the Community Health Workers were unemployed before joining HOPE Cape Town and had volunteered either at the clinic or organisations within their community.  Many of the 21 Community Health Workers have not completed the 12 years of formal education.  However they bring a wealth of experience and the support of their community.  Joining HOPE Cape Town has provided a source of income and opportunities for their families while improving their communities. 

As one Community Health Care Worker put it,”I am getting paid for something that I love and have been doing for many years.”

Training Programme
HOPE Cape Town has an extensive academic and in-service training programme to equip the staff to deal with the complex and multi-dimensional challenges affecting their community and clients.

University Academic Training
A condition of service is that every staff member completes the UNISA Diploma in HIV Care and Counselling.  The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a world class distance tertiary educational institution.  This is a four month course which covers all aspects of HIV/AIDS: transmission, development of AIDS, medication, behaviour change, HIV/AIDS education, life skills training for children, traditional African world view and AIDS, spiritual and emotional guidance of people living with and close to the AIDS phenomenon. 

In-service Training
All the staff attend the in-service training programme that is run every second week.  Each session allows for a more in-depth teaching and discussion of issues raised in the course.  This discussion is enriched by the real experiences shared by Community Health Workers.  The day also serves as a debriefing session where they can process the harsh and emotional challenges that they must face daily. 

Practical Training
The classroom training is supported by practical training at the hospital.  Each Community Health Worker is given the opportunity to work with the HOPE Doctor, Dr Mari Carstens.  The Community Health Worker assists with the consultation, the counting of medication and calculating compliance.  This expert tuition is vital once they are on their own in the field.

Each Community Health Worker assists at the Family Infectious Diseases Clinic at the Tygerberg Academic Health Complex.  The clinic provides ARV treatment for the whole family, which enables a more comprehensive service.  This training helps with working with HIV-infected people of all ages and understanding the obstacles that people must overcome to enjoy a healthy life.

Compliance
Compliance and adherence are critical in treatment as a person could develop a resistance to the drugs.  This means that there is no medical help available to the person.  A more frightening consequence is the real possibility of the mutation of a new strain of HIV for which there is no treatment globally. 

A large part of the training focuses on the physical / medical aspects of HIV/AIDS such as the virus, transmission, symptoms ad associated diseases, diagnosis of HIV infection and AIDS, the management of HIV infection, the different medication, their application and side effects. 

Compliance and adherence are major challenges in the disadvantaged communities.  People lack the resources for basic needs such as food and fuel and there is very little money left for the R5 (€0,57) transport fare to the day hospital to see the doctor and get the next supply of medicine.  Many are reluctant to take the medication as it increases the appetite and they are already hungry.  This knowledge is essential in the role as Compliance Officer to encourage and support our clients.

Career Development
Nursing is an admired profession with a high status within the community.  It is a profession to which many aspire but cannot reach due to the lack of education, funding or the belief in their ability. 

The HOPE Community Health Workers are recognised as being well trained and professional in their conduct.  Many are as skilled and knowledgeable in the practical aspects of primary health care as professional nurses. 

HOPE Cape Town has entered into a partnership with the University of Stellenbosch to get the training programme accredited and to a level where it can be considered as an entry to a nursing career.  This will help these courageous women and men to fulfil their dreams of becoming a nurse.