Abstract:
A child-headed household is a form of family that is growing around the world,
especially in the sub-Saharan Africa. These are families without adults, hence, are
headed by children or adolescents, less than 18 years of age. The study investigated
challenges faced by learners from child-headed families that affect their educational
goals. This was done through an analysis and description of the experiences of
learners from child-headed households through an ecological systems model that
included stakeholders like, community, school, government departments and officials
as well as non-governmental organisations. This study was based in the
Johannesburg East District of Education, in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. A
purposive sampling method was used to select three learners from child-headed
families, six educators in the School Based Support Teams, three school managers
and one social worker from Johannesburg East District schools in Kaalfontein, Ebony
Park and Ivory Park in Gauteng Province of South Africa. A Phenomenological
qualitative research design was used where face-to-face interviews were conducted,
and documents (SBST, school reports and attendance registers) were reviewed. The
face-to-face interview were conducted between the researcher and the sample in a
one –on –one situation for privacy. The data collected from audio tapes was
transcribed. Research quality control measures that are centered on trustworthiness
which included aspects such as credibility, transferability, consistency and
conformability were observed. To test and implement research ethics, measures
such as - informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, privacy, and
empowerment, caring and fairness were employed. The study identified challenges
such poor socio-economic background, child abuse, stigmatisation, exclusion,
psychological and emotional abuses that were faced by children in child-headed
families which and observed that they affected learners academically, socially,
emotionally, physically and psychologically. Recommendations were provided to
different stakeholders involved in addressing challenges faced by children living in
child-headed households.
