Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #311  -  THE IMPACT OF HIV & AIDS ON THE SOCIO-EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF ADOLESCENTS ORPHANED BY AIDS IN CHILD-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS
Session:
  6.88: Posters A (Poster) on Monday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Dr Cycil G Hartell - University of Pretoria, South Africa
 
  Additional Authors:   
Aim:
The central aim of this article is to investigate the impact of HIV & AIDS upon the social and educational development of orphans of AIDS in child-headed households in the rural areas of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.
 
Method / Issue:
The study explores, describe and interpret the phenomenon of HIV & AIDS within the context of the participants perspectives of their life-world. The research abides by a qualitative methodology and an interpretive approach since the adolescents have been studied in their natural settings of their homes.
 
Results / Comments:
Findings of the study have revealed that HIV & AIDS has a definite negative impact on the social and educational development of adolescents orphaned by AIDS in child-headed households. These adolescents are forced to abandon their schooling either temporary or permanently because they have to take care of ailing parents and assume adult responsibilities in their homes. Within the South African context orphans are socially and educationally more negatively affected by the fact that the extended family system and caregivers are totally overcome by the growing pandemic, unemployment and poverty to be able to assist in their (orphans) needs. Further inhibiting factors on these adolescents development are generated by abject poverty, the lack of parental, social and educational support and social discrimination.
 
Discussion:
The article analyses and describes how the above-mentioned problems influence these AIDS-affected adolescents cognitively, emotionally, morally, socially and connotatively. Interventions that will include the need to broaden the education system educational and social objectives and functions and develop to considerably more flexible mechanisms for planning, managing and financing its programmes, is recommended.
 
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