| Summary: | Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Community Work) in Social Work at the University Of Zululand, South Africa, 2009. === The changing structures of families and the increase in numbers of child-headed families are progressively becoming noticeable both nationally and internationally. Due to the number of families and parents being affected by HIV/Aids, a growing number of children in South Africa are left without parents who can provide them with basic needs and emotional care and support As a result older siblings become caregivers to the younger siblings, as extended family are no longer, due to straining social-economic circumstances, able to take these orphans under their care. In order for the silent voices of children from child-headed families in Mahlabathini to be heard, the inquiry aimed at determining what their challenges and coping mechanisms are. In doing so the information may enable educational psychologists to support Site Based Support Teams and schools to enhance their care and supportive strategies to the benefit of learners from child-headed families.
By means of an interpretivist qualitative inquiry, descriptions of these children intentions, beliefs and meaning making were obtained. The data collection methods, included questionnaires completed by five learners from child-headed families.
Some of the recommendations discussed included the development of community support centres in order to support learners from child-headed families with after-school care for their younger siblings, meals and recreational activities. Community forums would need to prioritize the safety of their neighborhoods in order for all children to feel appreciated and safe in their environments. School Based Support Teams will need to be trained in counselling skills and especially in bereavement counselling.
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