Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Psychology)
The changing structures of family and the increase in number of orphans are progressively becoming noticeable both nationally and internationally. A growing number of South African children are left without parents who can provide them with basic needs and emotional care and support. The influence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the lives of children and adolescents who have lost one or both parents because of it. Orphans living in child-headed households within underprivileged communities are amongst the most vulnerable children and there is a need to stimulate broad-based discussion, and heighten awareness of and sensitivity to their plight, special needs and rights.
This study aims to explore and describe the lived psycho-educational experiences of Grade 7 child-headed orphans in a primary school in Soweto and the support programmes available. It also aims to stimulate interest amongst other role players within government, agencies and communities to assist in addressing the situation of these learners through effective intervention strategies. The researcher has made use of a qualitative, phenomenological case study research design. Data was gathered through individual interviews, focus group interviews and the written life essays/stories, analysed according to Tesch’s method of open coding.
The findings of this research revealed that the Grade 7 child-headed orphans’ psychological experiences included anger, sadness, lack of trust and need for love, while their educational experiences included performance in class and transition to high school. They also indicated how they experienced support by School Based Support Team (SBST), teachers, peers, community and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs). The results of the study led to the formulation of recommendations which are intended to heighten awareness via the Department of Education (DoE) and stimulate interest amongst role players, such as school counsellors, educational psychologists and social workers, who are assisting these vulnerable children.