This issue of Snapshots from the Field examines how community-based organizations were among the first to respond to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the AIDS epidemic in Zambia.

Since January 2000, the Strengthening Community Partnerships for the Empowerment of Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children (SCOPE-OVC) Project has been one of the most comprehensive efforts thus far to support OVC and their families by mobilizing and strengthening community capacity.

In Helping Zambian Communities Support Children at Risk the success of SCOPE is documented through the group's:

• Supporting community initiatives
• Meeting children's psychosocial needs
• Improving families' financial security
• Ensuring child rights to education

SCOPE was launched by the Implementing AIDS Prevention and Care (IMPACT) Project, managed by FHI and funded by USAID. It includes partners CARE International and Family Health Trust.