Psycho-educational and social interventions provided for orphans and vulnerable children at a community-based organisation in Soweto, South Africa

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study explored the psycho-educational and social interventions provided for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in a community-based organisation (CBO) in Soweto, South Africa. The study involved 12 OVC (males = 40%, and females = 60%; aged 10 to 18 years). Data was collected using individual interviews, focus group discussions, and autobiographies. The thematically analysed data revealed that the OVC received psychological interventions through mentorship and peer-group support in the CBO. Educational interventions included the provision of school uniforms and educational materials, as well as sponsorship of tuition, sports and excursion fees. Academic track records presented a challenge, however, which was attributed to the enormous numbers of OVC under the care of the CBO. It was further established that social interventions were addressed by empowering the OVC with life skills and providing economic support for their families, specifically to pay rent and provide meals. The major contributions of this study are to note the importance of the CBO in addressing issues related to the lack of counselling, the stigmatisation of OVC by community members and the need for empowerment of their families by providing income-generating activities. The information obtained is useful in opening up avenues for interested parties to further explore the effectiveness of these psycho-educational and social interventions in improving the lives of OVC in society