Exploring formal and informal arrangements for care of orphans : a study in the Maseru District of Lesotho.
This study explores both formal and informal arrangements for care of orphans in the Maseru district of Lesotho. The study adopted a qualitative approach using both in-depth interviews and documentary research as the primary methods of data collection. The research findings show that care of orph...
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| Format: | Others |
| Language: | en |
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2009
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10539/6593 |
| Summary: | This study explores both formal and informal arrangements for care of orphans in the
Maseru district of Lesotho. The study adopted a qualitative approach using both in-depth
interviews and documentary research as the primary methods of data collection.
The research findings show that care of orphans in Lesotho is predominantly in the hands
of non-governmental and church based organisations. The government’s role is limited to
the provision of technical support, including the formulation of policies and laws and
some welfare grant provision in the form of free primary education. Care of orphans in
the communities is undertaken not only by the extended family members of orphans, but
also non-relation community members. It is clear however that while such informal
arrangements might provide care and protection to orphan, many are struggling in the
face of extreme hardship and poverty. A crisis of social reproduction is therefore
increasingly apparent in Lesotho. |
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