The study considered the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in child headed families that usually affects the adolescents in South Africa. This study aimed at exploring the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in child headed families, determining the causal factors of sexual promiscuous behaviour and effects of promiscuity. The area of investigation was Qora Village which is in a small town called Idutywa, Eastern Cape. This is an area that is characterised by poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. The sample was comprised of 50 participants and the study was conducted in two phases using mixed methods approach. Social exchange theory underpinned the study. Findings highlighted that these child headed adolescents had a role of caregivers and due to poverty they practiced risky sexual behaviour to bridge the economic gap. Furthermore, teenagers living in child headed families were likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour with people who are older than them; others are forced and coerced; while others perceive such act as a better option to bridge the economic gap that existed within their family backgrounds.

The study considered the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in child headed families that usually affects the adolescents in South Africa. This study aimed at exploring the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour in child headed families, determining the causal factors of sexual promiscuous behaviour and effects of promiscuity. The area of investigation was Qora Village which is in a small town called Idutywa, Eastern Cape. This is an area that is characterised by poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. The sample was comprised of 50 participants and the study was conducted in two phases using mixed methods approach. Social exchange theory underpinned the study. Findings highlighted that these child headed adolescents had a role of caregivers and due to poverty they practiced risky sexual behaviour to bridge the economic gap. Furthermore, teenagers living in child headed families were likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour with people who are older than them; others are forced and coerced; while others perceive such act as a better option to bridge the economic gap that existed within their family backgrounds

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and its impact on their identity development. The qualitative research paradigm was chosen for the purpose of this study. In depth interviews were held with three young adults who lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS when they were young. Hermeneutics thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study’s results identified different psychosocial issues associated with HIV/AIDS which were considered to be an influence in the lives of participants and their identity development. The results indicate that HIV/AIDS still has a strong and negative connotation which influenced the participants’ attitude and behaviour, including the development of their sense of identity. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The study analyzes the organization, the production and the units peasants' reproduction in the municipal districts of Ribeirópolis and São Domingos-SE, connected to the general product system of goods in the trajectory 1975 - 2005. In the two municipal districts a high land concentration verified due to the insertion of the capital in the field, and with an economy turned back to the external market, becoming necessary the amplification of the grass for the cattle creation, assisting to the interests of the capital. Though, the more the capitalism moves forward, at the same time that, persists the unit productive peasant that resists the with the using by force of family work, cultivating the cassava, the corn and the bean, besides the small raise rear. The cassava with the processing of the flour and the commercialization of its surplus became one of the fundamental elements of the reproduction and resistance of that peasant workers in the field. The units of production possess a low modernization level, because the traditional techniques of production still prevail with the using of instruments of handmade work as the hoe and pesticides for the combat to the ants and plagues. For analysis effect, the peasant field of the two municipal districts was divided in partial " peasants " and exclusive " peasants ". The partial ones characterize for little land and it doesn't produce enough for its reproduction, needing complementary the family income selling manpower. However, considered them exclusive they possess area of enough land to produce and to guarantee its survival without appealing to the rented work. However, the subordination of the peasant workers to the capital is still very strong, and the omission of the State generates what we denominated of orphan " peasants " of the public politics joining a series of problems faced by the peasant workers, for example of the productive chain that is disjointed in the two municipal districts favoring the middlemen's action in the commercialization of the cassava flour. Actually it is in the phase of the circulation that the capital subordinates and appropriates itself of the surplus of the work of the peasant workers, reproducing a contradictory system, and appropriates itself of the surplus of the work of peasant works , where for one hand subordinates the work of flour-man peasant the circulation and, on the other hand it resists, in that characteristics as affection to the land, exclusive use of forcing by the family work and control of the necessary work, they still persist. / O estudo analisa a produção e a reprodução das unidades camponesas nos municípios de Ribeirópolis e São Domingos-SE, integrado ao sistema geral do ciclo do capital produtor de mercadorias na trajetória 1975 - 2005. Nos dois municípios verifica-se uma alta concentração fundiária decorrente da inserção do capital no campo, e com uma economia voltada para o mercado externo, tornando-se necessária à ampliação das pastagens para a criação de gado, atendendo aos interesses do capital. Todavia, quanto mais o capitalismo avança, paralelamente, persiste a unidade produtiva camponesa que resiste com o uso da força de trabalho familiar, cultivando a mandioca, o milho e o feijão, além do pequeno criatório. A mandioca com o beneficiamento da farinha e a comercialização do seu excedente tornou-se um dos elementos fundamentais da reprodução e resistência desse campesinato no campo. As unidades de produção possuem um baixo nível de modernização, pois ainda predominam as técnicas tradicionais de produção com o uso de instrumentos de trabalho artesanal como a enxada e praguicidas para o combate às formigas e pragas. Para efeito de análise, o campesinato dos dois municípios foi dividido em camponeses parciais e camponeses exclusivos . Os parciais caracterizam por pouca terra e não produz o suficiente para a sua reprodução, necessitando complementar a renda familiar vendendo força de trabalho. Contudo, os considerados exclusivos possuem área de terra suficiente para produzir e garantir a sua sobrevivência sem recorrer ao trabalho alugado. Entretanto, a subordinação do campesinato ao capital é ainda muito forte, e a omissão do Estado gera o que denominamos de camponeses órfãos das políticas públicas agregando uma série de problemas enfrentados pelo campesinato, a exemplo da cadeia produtiva que é desarticulada nos dois municípios favorecendo a ação dos intermediários na comercialização da farinha de mandioca. Na verdade é na fase da circulação que o capital subordina reproduzindo um sistema contraditório e se apropria do excedente do trabalho do campesinato, onde, de um lado subordina o trabalho do camponês-farinheiro na circulação e, de outro, resiste, em que características como afeto à terra, uso exclusivo da força de trabalho familiar e domínio do trabalho necessário ainda persistem.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The study analyzes the organization, the production and the units peasants' reproduction in the municipal districts of Ribeirópolis and São Domingos-SE, connected to the general product system of goods in the trajectory 1975 - 2005. In the two municipal districts a high land concentration verified due to the insertion of the capital in the field, and with an economy turned back to the external market, becoming necessary the amplification of the grass for the cattle creation, assisting to the interests of the capital. Though, the more the capitalism moves forward, at the same time that, persists the unit productive peasant that resists the with the using by force of family work, cultivating the cassava, the corn and the bean, besides the small raise rear. The cassava with the processing of the flour and the commercialization of its surplus became one of the fundamental elements of the reproduction and resistance of that peasant workers in the field. The units of production possess a low modernization level, because the traditional techniques of production still prevail with the using of instruments of handmade work as the hoe and pesticides for the combat to the ants and plagues. For analysis effect, the peasant field of the two municipal districts was divided in partial " peasants " and exclusive " peasants ". The partial ones characterize for little land and it doesn't produce enough for its reproduction, needing complementary the family income selling manpower. However, considered them exclusive they possess area of enough land to produce and to guarantee its survival without appealing to the rented work. However, the subordination of the peasant workers to the capital is still very strong, and the omission of the State generates what we denominated of orphan " peasants " of the public politics joining a series of problems faced by the peasant workers, for example of the productive chain that is disjointed in the two municipal districts favoring the middlemen's action in the commercialization of the cassava flour. Actually it is in the phase of the circulation that the capital subordinates and appropriates itself of the surplus of the work of the peasant workers, reproducing a contradictory system, and appropriates itself of the surplus of the work of peasant works , where for one hand subordinates the work of flour-man peasant the circulation and, on the other hand it resists, in that characteristics as affection to the land, exclusive use of forcing by the family work and control of the necessary work, they still persist. / O estudo analisa a produção e a reprodução das unidades camponesas nos municípios de Ribeirópolis e São Domingos-SE, integrado ao sistema geral do ciclo do capital produtor de mercadorias na trajetória 1975 - 2005. Nos dois municípios verifica-se uma alta concentração fundiária decorrente da inserção do capital no campo, e com uma economia voltada para o mercado externo, tornando-se necessária à ampliação das pastagens para a criação de gado, atendendo aos interesses do capital. Todavia, quanto mais o capitalismo avança, paralelamente, persiste a unidade produtiva camponesa que resiste com o uso da força de trabalho familiar, cultivando a mandioca, o milho e o feijão, além do pequeno criatório. A mandioca com o beneficiamento da farinha e a comercialização do seu excedente tornou-se um dos elementos fundamentais da reprodução e resistência desse campesinato no campo. As unidades de produção possuem um baixo nível de modernização, pois ainda predominam as técnicas tradicionais de produção com o uso de instrumentos de trabalho artesanal como a enxada e praguicidas para o combate às formigas e pragas. Para efeito de análise, o campesinato dos dois municípios foi dividido em camponeses parciais e camponeses exclusivos . Os parciais caracterizam por pouca terra e não produz o suficiente para a sua reprodução, necessitando complementar a renda familiar vendendo força de trabalho. Contudo, os considerados exclusivos possuem área de terra suficiente para produzir e garantir a sua sobrevivência sem recorrer ao trabalho alugado. Entretanto, a subordinação do campesinato ao capital é ainda muito forte, e a omissão do Estado gera o que denominamos de camponeses órfãos das políticas públicas agregando uma série de problemas enfrentados pelo campesinato, a exemplo da cadeia produtiva que é desarticulada nos dois municípios favorecendo a ação dos intermediários na comercialização da farinha de mandioca. Na verdade é na fase da circulação que o capital subordina reproduzindo um sistema contraditório e se apropria do excedente do trabalho do campesinato, onde, de um lado subordina o trabalho do camponês-farinheiro na circulação e, de outro, resiste, em que características como afeto à terra, uso exclusivo da força de trabalho familiar e domínio do trabalho necessário ainda persistem.

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.

The purpose of the research was to use life mapping during the intervention period in order to enhance the self-knowledge of the children in their mid-childhood years, in a children’s home. In order to reach this goal, the life mapping- and the gestalt play- therapeutic processes had been combined with, art and creativity included in the process. The study is quantitative and a standardised measuring instrument had been used for the pre-test and posttest, according to the single-system design. The hypothesis was tested by way of statistical analysis, by comparing data obtained from the pre-test and posttest. The child in a children’s home does not always know who he/she is. Because of possible trauma experienced before admission to the children’s home, self-knowledge could not be developed from within or from input obtained out of the social environment. Sometimes, a child in a children’s home, does not know why he/she was admitted. It is necessary for the child to know where he/she came from, where he/she is at present and where is he/she is going. The framework of life mapping integrates these concepts. By compiling a life map, a child obtains self-knowledge. When he/she had formed a perception of who and what he/she is and what he/she wants to achieve, the child can start working on self-fulfillment. With self-knowledge and a good perception of his/her life, the child develops a self concept, which usually contains an element of self-evaluation. The child can start leading an own life, make own choices, take responsibility for his/her own life and becomes independent, notwithstanding the circumstances of origin. The purpose is to bring back balance and a sense of self into the life of the child, which are also the purposes emphasised by both life mapping and gestalt play therapy. The literature study includes both the behaviour and emotions of the child in a children’s home. The influence on the life of the child had been investigated. Objective one was to build on the knowledge base on life mapping and gestalt play therapy processes. The processes were compared and integrated in this study. Life mapping as a concept, is known since the early 20th century, but was not applied in therapy, often. The developmental phase of a child in mid-childhood, in a children’s home had been studied. The developmental tasks in the mid-childhood are varied and is a progression of tasks from the previous phases. The synthesis, according to Erikson, during this phase, is capability. Industry versus inferiority could be seen as the “crisis” of this developmental phase. The child starts having the concept of the true self, versus the ideal self and he/she compares him/herself with others. Objective two was intervention by way of life mapping, together with the gestalt principles. This proved to have been very successful with observing the research results. Aspects of the whole life of every respondent had been included into the life maps. The fact that the life had been looked at in totality is in accordance with the gestalt concept of gestalt therapy. The respondents started owning their own personality traits and began to experiencing their uniqueness. It was thus enhancement of self-knowledge that took place. All the objectives of the study had been reached. The study resulted in an 80 percent significant change in the average self-knowledge of the respondents. / Dissertation (MSD Play Therapy(Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of adolescents who were orphaned by HIV/AIDS related conditions, thereby improving the knowledge base and insight of social workers that will enable them to render more effective services. The objectives of this study was: -- To build a knowledge base of existing literature on the impact of HIV/AIDS related circumstances on orphaned adolescents. -- To conduct an empirical study of the experiences of adolescents on the following terrains, namely Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity. -- To make recommendations about the experiences of adolescents orphaned by HIV/AIDS related conditions to be considered during formulation of intervention plans by social workers. This qualitative study endeavoured to answer the following research question: “What are the experiences of adolescents orphaned by HIV/AIDS related conditions in the Gert Sibande region of Mpumalanga?” The researcher aimed to document these experiences to improve the helping professions’ understanding of the phenomenon. This may lead to more successful intervention strategies for these adolescents. The study was feasible, as it was within the financial and practical means of the researcher. She had access to the target group and she had permission from the Department of Health and Social Services to conduct the study, using their resources, clients and data. Three themes emerged from data analysis, namely: -- THEME ONE: Sources of support, hurt and anger -- THEME TWO: My life changed after I became an orphan -- THEME THREE: Parents’ illness and death From the research findings, recommendations were made on a micro, macro and meso level. On a micro-level, this included improved foster parent screening, life skills camps, improved awareness campaigns and the establishment of support groups. On macro-level, the researcher is of the opinion that the strengthening of Home Based Care Groups, After-school centres and Children’s Homes should receive attention. / Dissertation (MA (Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

This dissertation profiles the needs of abandoned or orphaned, HIV affected or infected children living in a South African institution. The purpose of my research is to identify the needs of the children; then identify how the staff within the institution perceive that they provide for these needs; and lastly look at what Music Therapy as a discipline can offer the children in regards to the needs identified. Interviews with fulltime and part-time staff members suggest that the needs of the children relate mainly to a lack of individual attention. Inconsistent quality of care and limited opportunities for forming attachments to specific caregivers were identified foremost as resulting in difficulties with forming and maintaining relationships and social functioning with peer members and staff members, in the institutional social cultural context. The therapeutic relationship offered to the children in Music therapy sessions offers opportunities to address the individual and social needs identified. / Dissertation (MMus (Music Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Music / unrestricted

In 2011 there were an estimated 3.9 million orphaned children in South Africa, many of them orphaned by HIV/AIDS. These children are at high risk for developing psychosocial and mental health problems. The National Strategy for the care of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs) recognizes the importance of psychosocial support but there are few specific guidelines on best practice and little research on the effectiveness of psychosocial support programs. There is even less research capturing the perspectives of front-line staff and caregivers. This master’s thesis project conducted a case study of an NGO that provides foster care for OVCs in the Western Cape of South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 14 foster mothers, four social workers and one administrator of the HomeFromHome organization. Interviews explored the experiences, opinions and concerns of participants regarding psychosocial support and the respondents’ views on the (1) main challenges they face in providing psychosocial support (2) what they see as the most effective forms of support and (3) their recommendations for policy changes. Responses highlighted the psychosocial challenges faced by OVCs, those caring for children, and program staff. The research findings support the existing literature, which promotes psychosocial support as essential for orphaned, and vulnerable children. This case study found that HomeFromHome social workers, foster mothers and administration want increased levels of psychosocial support for both children and caregivers. Respondents identified foster mothers and a primary loving caregiver as the most significant form and source of psychosocial support for the children. An analysis of the participant responses identified several areas that warrant further investigation for future policy and program development. These include: the different forms of alternative childcare, the role of the community and the church, the gap between policy and implementation, gendered issues, the aging out process, and issues concerning biological families.