This study is intended to contribute to the existing body of knowledge relative to social protection of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC). It proffers recommendations on sustainable assistance mechanisms which will ensure effective support systems for improved quality of life for OVCs. The impacts of orphanhood and other vulnerability issues on children directly challenge social protection systems and how they support the wellbeing of the children. This presents grave threat to social and economic development as well as the wellbeing of children. Child Support Grant (CSG) is one of South Africa’s largest social protection programmes targeting vulnerable children. The effectiveness of the grants in addressing the concerns of the children is greatly dependent on how it is utilised. The aim of this study is for a review of the support systems for OVCs in South Africa, within the context of social grants to determine its viability to address the challenges of vulnerability. The study is informed by empowerment framework as theoretical paradigm; which postulates that people need to be empowered through sustainable programmes that enhance their capacities to realize their full potentials and become self-sufficient. The study reviewed and appraised relevant approaches that aid empowering OVCs in order to ensure that they are supported to move from state of helplessness to an empowered state. A quantitative research method was used for the survey, data analysis and review. A case study approach was adopted for the study. The population of this study consisted of selected families of OVCs and community volunteers in Port St. Johns and Ndlambe local municipalities of the Eastern Cape Province. The study findings show that the CSG is relevant in the context of providing the needed support for the OVCs, which will enhance their wellbeing and development. It identified CSG as a mechanism which supports the concept of ensuring that OVCs have an adult caregiver who supports them. It shows that the CSG is able to reduce the number of OVCs without an adult caregiver. xii The study identified that many of the caregivers of the OVCs do not have other source of income and this affects their utilisation of the grant to attend to the needs of the children such as caregivers who do not support the wellbeing of the children though they receive CSG. The findings did not identify many challenges with the functioning and management of the CSG scheme. The concerns identified by the study are related to challenges of accessing the grant. The findings show that the caregivers do not encounter obstacles while applying for CSG for reasons related to the fact that some of them are being assisted. It shows that most children that are eligible but are not receiving CSG were for reasons such as caregiver not applying on time for the child or lack of documents required for the application. The study further noted that it was mostly caregivers that were not assisted during the applications process that experienced difficulties. The study observed that supporting the needed infrastructure in resource constrained environment is necessary to assist the children. Building facilities for banking, health care, and recreation as well as educational facilities such as libraries and computer centres were identified as relevant in schemes that aim to improve the quality of lives of children. The study findings revealed that hunger and deprivation could be a defining factor, which influences a child’s interest in education. It concludes that the provision of CSG to families could have strong influence in determining children’s interest in education. The study identified other support systems in the community that complement the CSG mechanism. The supports includes the assistance to process the application for CSG as well as guidance in the utilisation of the grant; after school care programme which provides opportunity for children to receive additional educational support; and material assistance for OVC families. The supports were mostly through community volunteers of organisations in the communities. These supports were found to be useful in supporting the caregivers of the OVCs to support the children.

South Africa faces crises in both childcare and unemployment. These two areas are central to development and economic growth. South Africa may be the first country in the world to design and implement a public works programme (PWP) in early childhood development (ECD). This study compares selected models of ECD provision - centrebased ECD, integrated-ECD-interventions and programmes that equip caregivers for ECD, in terms of their ability to accomplish three goals: improve childcare, provide employment and help caregivers reconcile paid and unpaid work. The models vary in the programmes they offer, costs and reach as well as their training requirements, institutional arrangements, use of volunteers, sustainability and ability to complement developmental services, and all have a context in which they work best. Quantitative and qualitative data is used to make projections on the potential socio-economic effects of expanding services according to the various models, and in the context of government plans. ECD will not be able to expand successfully until specific challenges have been overcome. With that as a foundation, the proposed expanded public works programme (EPWP) in ECD could be used as a vehicle to train and develop a cadre of practitioners. Serious consideration needs to be given to the quality of job opportunities created as this will directly affect the programme's impact on ECD. In addition, the model chosen for expansion will determine the ability of the programme to support caregivers in reconciling their paid and unpaid work. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

M.Ed. (Educational Psychology) / Research literature regarding functional enuresis indicates that the prevalence of functional enuresis is higher in institutionalised children as opposed to non-institutionalised children. A preliminary survey conducted at the Abraham Kriel Children's Home revealed that approximately 10% of the children experience problems with enuresis. One of the childrens' personal files was studied. From this it appeared that although on a number of occasions there were therapeutic interventions, the girl still experiences problems with enuresis. To enable better understanding of this phenomenon it was decided to obtain a holistic image of the girl's construction of meaning, and, by so doing, establish whether the therapeutic interventions addressed and tackled the crux of the problem. To achieve this goal (which is exploratory and descriptive in nature, with a contextual concern), a qualitative single case study was used as the chosen research format. In this research a developmental exploration of the girl's world of meaning was performed. By means of a holistic analysis her life history was analysed in the light of Erik Erikson's developmental theory. Developmental tasks and needs that are characteristic of each life phase were identified. On the basis of this the girl's circumstances were examined in order to determine her possible self meaning. By means of a play diagnostic investigation an analysis was made of the way in which she presently perceives herself and the world...

Legislation in South Africa pertaining to the care and protection of children is presently being revised and changed. Should alternative care be necessary for a vulnerable child, the Children's Act 38/2005 prioritises a foster care placement over a child and youth care centre of which a Children's Home is a part. Given the steady decline in traditional family living due to, amongst other things HIV/AIDS, poverty and unemployment in South Africa, the dominant view of family care being prioritised may not always be feasible in reality. The study researched this view by hearing the voices of children and their caregivers, in both foster care and in Children's Homes by conducting a qualitative study based on the exploratory and descriptive designs A purposive sampling strategy was used as there were clear criteria for the selection of participants. There were two sample groups. One consisted of child participants and the other consisted of caregivers viz. foster parents and child-care workers. Caregivers were included for the purposes of enhancing reliability, validity and trustworthiness of the study. Data was collected by means of semi-structured in depth interviews with the child participants. Two focus groups were held with the caregivers; one with the foster parents and the other with the child-care workers. Both the in depth interviews as well as the focus group discussions were guided by similar themes that were linked to the main objectives of the study. The findings revealed that children's voices were largely absent in decisions pertaining to their well being; that they preferred to live with families of origin as opposed to alternative care and should they be placed in alternative care, foster care was preferred to Children's Homes. The findings further emphasized the need for infrastructural support such as family preservation programmes, financial and social work support for all poverty stricken families and strengthened human resources for Children's Homes. Recommendations therefore centred around ways in which to capacitate families of origin; ways of including children in decision making and the necessary infrastructural support to ensure optimum care for vulnerable children. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007

M.Ed. (Didactics Mathematics) / Mathematical literacy is essential for functioning effectively in a technological society. Many occupations which may appeal to young people require mathematical ability as a prerequisite. By establishing factors which contribute to a pupil's difficulties within a subject, teachers are better able to assist these pupils ...

M.Ed. (Educational Management) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role played by CYCCs to provide support and protection to children who have been found to be in need of care, according to the criteria given in the Children’s Act No. 38/2005 as amended. The study made use of a qualitative approach and the research design was provided by the case study. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The most important findings to emerge from the study were that the factors which affect the operation of CYCCs are either institutional, or else challenges arising from issues pertaining to infrastructure and human resources. However, it was also acknowledged that, despite the challenges which affect their ability to provide their services to young people, the CYCCs had also made progressive steps to halt the suppression of the fundamental rights of children. It has been recommended that the government should apply comprehensive funding to the objectives of the Children’s Act, which would entail increasing the subsidies to CYCCs. It has also been recommended that the Policy on Financial Rewards should call for the same benefits and salary scales to apply for professional staff working in the government and to those working in the CYCCs. The repercussions from failing to adjust to these recommendations will inevitably lead to the employment of a remedial model of care.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is guided by the question: what is done to sustain early childhood development (ECD) in South Africa? The research is conducted in is selected rural areas in Namaqualand and the Karoo. A selection of ECD centres is taken as the study material. In depth interviews and workshops were conducted with various role-players connected to ECD to provide case material for analysis. Apart from the findings of this research the study concludes with a number of recommendations of how to address questions of sustainability, self-reliance and development of these centres and the communities they are located in. The study is contextualised within the situation of wide-spread and ingrained poverty amongst the communities living in rural areas in South Africa. The study pleas for explicit educational policy reforms, a stronger role to be played by government institutions on all levels and by community institutions such as churches, the empowerment of . women and the organisational reform of ECD centres. The overall theme is that the education of young people is paramount to the development of communities. The self-reliance of the centres is primarily depended on the sustainability of community life as a network of social and economic relations. The first chapter introduces the research problem, the reasons why this study is deemed necessary and a framework of the research process. It includes a description of the context and methodology of the study. The second chapter outlines the concepts of self-reliance, development and sustainability from the point of view of the progressive and participatory paradigms, the basic requirements for sustainable development, such as lifelong learning for all people and the interdependencies that enhances progress and development. Chapter three is devoted to Early Childhood Development (ECD). A historical overview and the current status of ECD, including government policy, in South Africa is presented. The gaps existing between the different echelons that are directly or indirectly involved in ECD are identified. The fourth chapter deals with ECD sites. Their objectives and the benefits for ECD education as well as care-taking strategies are described and researched. The multidimensional purposes and tasks with respect to children and parents as well as the community are especially highlighted. Chapter five develops the integrating function of ECD sites within community further. The focus is on the various interdependencies and relationships between an ECD site and its environment. The role of parents, women and their ties with ECD and local churches, especially within rural communities, is analysed. Also, the wider community, the different organisations that has relationships with ECD, the practical utility of networks, and the contribution of government structures are dealt with. Chapter six outlines the conditions that will enhance and enable an ECD site to become more sustainable and self-reliant. Finally, chapter seven proposes conclusions and recommendationsflowing from this study. The most basic condition is education and learning. The idea of a culture of lifelong learning for all is stressed and it is proposed that this should start at the youngest possible age. ECDs should therefore have a strong impact on learning. The main contributors to this process are women, local churches, the different tiers of government and lastly, funding organisations. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie word gelei deur die vraag: wat word gedoen om die volhoubaarheid van vroeë kinderontwikkeling (ECD) in Suid-Afrika te verseker? Die navorsing is in geselekteerde landelike gebiede van Namakwaland en die Karoo uitgevoer. 'n Seleksie van ECD sentrums is as studiemateriaal gebruik. In diepte onderhoude en werkswinkels is onderneem met verskeie rolspelers in ECD om toepaslike gegewens vir ontleding te verskaf. Afgesien van die bevindinge van die ondersoek wat beskryf word, kom die studie tot gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings oor hoe om die volhoubaarheid, selfvoorsiening en ontwikkeling van hierdie sentrums en die gemeenskappe waarin hulle gevestig is, te verseker. Die ondersoek is gekontekstualiseer binne die situasie van wydverspreide en ingegroeide armoede in die gemeenskappe van landelike gebiede in Suid-Afrika. Dit lewer 'n pleidooi vir uitdruklike opvoedkundige beleidshervormnings, 'n sterker rol deur regeringsinstansies op alle vlakke en deur gemeenskapsinstellings soos kerke, die bemagtiging van vroue en die organisatoriese hervorming van ECD sentrums. Die algehele tema is dat die opvoeding van jong mense allesoorheersend is in die ontwikkeling van gemeenskappe. Die selfvoorsiening van hierdie sentrums is primêr afhanklik van die volhoubaarheid van die gemeenskapslewe as 'n netwerk van sosiale en ekonomiese verhoudings. Die eerste hoofstuk stel die navorsingsprobleem, die redes waarom die ondersoek as noodsaaklik beskou word en 'n raamwerk vir die navorsingsproses bekend. Dit sluit in 'n beskrywing van die konteks en metodologie van die studie. Die tweede hoofstuk bied 'n uiteensetting van die begrippe selfvoorsiening, ontwikkeling en volhoubaarheid. Dit word gedoen vanuit die oogpunt van progressiewe en deelnemende paradigmas. Verder word die basiese vereistes vir volhoubare ontwikkeling, soos lewenslange leer vir alle mense en die interafhanklikhede wat vooruitgang en ontwikkeling sal verhoog, aangedui. Hoofstuk drie is gewy aan vroeë kinderontwikkeling (ECD). 'n Historiese oorsig en die huidige stand van ECD, insluitende die owerheidsbeleid, in Suid-Afrika word aangebied. Die gapings tussen die verskillende vlakke wat direk of indirek betrokke is by ECDword uitgewys. Die vierde hoofstuk handeloor ECD sentrums. Hulle doelstellings en die voordele vir ECD opvoeding sowel as sorg strategieë word beskryf en nagevors. Die multidimensionele oogmerke en take met verwysing na kinders en ouers asook die gemeenskap word veral beklemtoon. Hoofstuk vyf ontwikkel die integreringsfunksie van ECD verder. Die fokus is die verskeie interafhanklikhede en verhoudings tussen 'n ECD sentrum en sy omgewing. Die rol van ouers, vroue en hulle bande met ECD en plaaslike kerke, veral in landelike gemeenskappe, word ontleed. Verder word ook gekyk na die wyer gemeenskap, die verskillende organisasies wat in verhouding staan met ECD, die praktiese waarde van netwerke en die bydrae van die owerheid. Hoofstuk ses gee 'n oorsig van die voorwaardes wat 'n ECD sentrum se volhoubaarheid en selfvoorsiening sal verhoog en bemagtig. Ten slotte stel hoofstuk sewe gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings wat uit die studie spruit, voor. Die mees basies voorwaarde is opvoeding en leer. Die idee van 'n kultuur van lewenslange leer vir almal word beklemtoon en dit word voorgestel dat dit op die vroegs moontlike ouderdom 'n aanvang neem. ECDs behoort daarom 'n sterk impak op leer te hê. Die hoof bydraers hiertoe is vroue, plaaslike kerke, die verskillende vlakke van regering, en ten slotte befondsingsorganisasies.

The goal of this research was to explore and describe child and youth care workers lived experiences of life space therapeutic care in a residential setting. Life space refers to the daily living environment, context and situation of children.

M.A. (Social Work) / Please refer to full text to view abstract