Protection of the Most Vulnerable (OVC)

The concept of OVC generally refers to orphans and other groups of children who are more vulnerable to shocks that will cause a negative outcome relative to their peers. In an operational context we can say that they are the children who are most likely to fall through the cracks of regular programs.

To be protected from negative outcomes, OVC need to be given special attention and targeting, either through special efforts to remove the barriers that stand in the way of their equal participation in projects designed to benefit all children, or through special project components tailored to their needs.

There are five main groups of vulnerable children:

Orphans in general and children and youth made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in particular.

Children and youth associated with armed groups or harmed by armed conflict.

Street children.

Children engaged in the worst forms of child labor.

Children with disabilities.