Abstract
M.Ed.
Orphans living in child-headed households within underprivileged communities are amongst the most vulnerable children, and protection of their rights deserves to be the main focus of all individuals, governments and agencies dealing with such children. There is a need to stimulate broad-based discussion, heightened awareness of, and sensitivity to their plight, special needs and rights.
This study aims to explore and describe the lived experiences of orphans in child-headed households, and to establish guidelines and recommendations in order to assist these children to deal effectively with their situation, 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 meaningful intervention strategies.
The researcher has made use of a qualitative, phenomenological research design. All participants were residents of Bronkhorstspruit. Data were gathered through one-on-one in-depth interviews and analysed according to Tesch’s method of open coding. Guba’s model of trustworthiness was utilised, in conjunction with an independent coder, to establish validity and reliability of the data.
The research has revealed that child heads of families sacrifice their education and take up increased responsibilities to take care of their siblings. They take up adult responsibilities prematurely, and face challenges of fending for their siblings on a daily basis. The study has also revealed that these children face problems such as poverty, trauma, educational failure, psychological problems, lack of information and access to social welfare services and disruption of normal childhood and adolescence.
The results of the study led to the formulation of guidelines and recommendations which are hoped to heighten awareness and stimulate interest amongst role players to assist these vulnerable children.
Prof. C.P.H. Myburgh