Abstract:
This study explores the experiences of young orphans who transition into extended families in Zimbabwe, focusing on the five- to ten-year-old age group. The study embraced a qualitative approach which is situated within the interpretivist paradigm. The choice of the qualitative mode of inquiry was to ensure that the researcher interacted with participants who were remarkably close to young orphans and, henceforth, gather as much reliable and pertinent data as possible. A multiple case study design was employed to investigate five extended family members and their five to ten-year-old young orphans, one social worker and two residential care centre administrators. All five extended families with young orphans lived in the Mutoko, Murewa, Mudzi and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) districts. Data were gathered through interviews, drawings, narratives, and observations. The preference for the research methods were to necessitate a high level of trustworthiness and comprehensive data.
The study established that although the government is mandated to provide services in the transitioning of young orphans into extended families in Zimbabwe, lack of resources inhibit efforts to support these children. Due to lack of funds social workers seldom follow up on young orphans. Although Zimbabwe has well stipulated national, regional and international agreements in its archives on transition, this research study had established that the strained Zimbabwean economy had a negative effect on children who transitioned into extended families. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that extended family members are inadequately prepared and trained to handle young orphans who transition into their families. Furthermore, extended families also face challenges on the scarcity of resources to support young orphans. Young orphans were further challenged by the fact that people stereotyped them because they came from residential care centres. These young orphans also faced several psychological challenges.
The study concluded that both young orphans and extended families are victims of a system that does not have the resources, nor the political and social will to support the transition process. Based on these findings, the recommendations were made for the attention of the government of Zimbabwe, as well as the Department of Social Welfare, who act as executive body in implementing Government’s directives. The study therefore, upholds that extended family members should have relevant skills to enable them to appropriately deal with young orphans. The study further recommends the implementation of policies to take cognisance of the needs of young orphans who transition to extended families are taken on board, as they access appropriate services and resources to mitigate their impediments.
