Accountability of school stakeholders in ensuring orphaned children’s school attendance

Abstract

Research has established that orphans are more often absent from school than non-orphans (Operario et al. 2008). Campbell et al. (2016) believe that when orphaned children do not attend school, they miss out on food parcels and clothing material donated by the Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to the learners at school. The learners also miss opportunities to socialise with other children and the support from welfare organisations. According to the South African Schools Act, learners from Grade 1 to Grade 9 are obliged to attend school up to the age of 16 (Republic of South Africa 1996). Normally, parents or caregivers are held accountable for learners' Background: In recent years, there appears to have been more interest than ever in the education of orphaned children, especially in terms of their school attendance. Although some studies have reported on the efforts of caregivers, teachers, government, Non-Governmental Organisations and others in providing the educational needs of orphaned learners, little is known about accountability in terms of their school attendance. Aim:The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of school stakeholders on managing the school attendance of orphaned learners.Setting: This research study was conducted in three primary schools with large numbers of orphaned children and high rates of absenteeism in a district in the Limpopo province, South Africa.Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews to collect data from nine participants who were identified through purposive sampling. The participants were class teachers, life orientation teachers and teachers responsible for orphaned learners. Results:The findings reflect that there is a lack of material resources and emotional support, physical and sexual abuse, little moral responsibility, few family values and inadequate use of resources provided by government and Non-governmental organizations to support the education of orphaned children. Conclusion:In this article, the researchers argue that the provision of material resources and emotional needs alone do not fully address the problem of the school absenteeism of orphaned learners and suggest a combined accountability of, and consequential measures for, school stakeholders in ensuring the school attendance of orphaned children.

The implementation of the foster child grant: a case study of the experiences of caregivers and implementers in the Umgungundlovu District

“…Most orphaned children fall behind in school because they have had to care for an ailing parent or family members, particularly those suffering from HIV/AIDSrelated illnesses (Breckenridge et al, 2019:513). Similar findings have been reported in other studies (Bennell, 2021;Ntuli et al, 2020;Ogina and Ramare, 2019). It was found that OVC face challenges when attempting to access basic education, such as a lack of material resources and emotional support.…”

Schooling for children living with human immunodeficiency virus in a community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Perceptions of educators and healthcare workers

“…Empathy has been considered the distinguishing feature motivating caring practice amongst educators (Zembylas 2008 ). Many sub-Saharan African studies have similarly highlighted pastoral acts of care by teachers towards children in need at school (Ogina 2010 ; Ogina & Ramare 2019 ); and whilst these caring behaviours are well intended and appreciated, they are often too individual and personalised to promote any long-term care for CLHIV that is sustainable (Campbell et al 2016 ; Skovdal & Evans 2017 ). Research points to the need for a more deliberate, systematic, institutionalised ethic of care to be practised at schools to encourage a sustained supportive school environment for CLHIV (Campbell et al 2016 ).…”

Relationship between partnership and the sustainability of institutionalized child care in Lira City, northern Uganda

“…In the African traditional culture, there were no orphans as parentless children were cared for within kin systems, but due to poverty and other strains, families increasingly became less willing or unable to take care of orphans while others started taking advantage of them (Pollack & Fishman, 2020). In addition, African researchers indicate that HIV and AIDS besides wars worsened the devastation of African families, hence creating the necessity for orphanages in addition to national and international adoptions in the 20th century (Ogina & Ramare, 2019).…”