Abstract
This study investigated the experiences and coping strategies of adolescent girl learners from child-headed families in the Shiselweni region of Swaziland. Forty (40) girls whose ages ranged from 13-18 years were participants in the study and were selected through purposive sampling in five selected rural schools. Data were collected on the experiences and coping strategies of adolescent girl learners through focus group discussions and individual interviews. The data were thematically analysed. The findings suggest that these girls experience lack of food security, poverty and strained extended family relations. The girls have also shown resilience despite their adversities which they indicated have been achieved through family unity, prayer and church support as coping strategies.
Highlights
The family structure is constantly changing and knowledge about families and their significance vary across the different nations (Leatham, 2006)
The definition of child-headed households (CHH) may be contentious as the term „child‟ may mean different things to different people (MacLellan, 2005; Smart 2003; UNAIDS 2006)
The composition and structure of households may change as a result of death, disease, crime, migrant labour, unemployment, conflicts, war, separation and desertion which may contribute to CHH (MacLellan, 2005; Smart 2003)
Summary
The family structure is constantly changing and knowledge about families and their significance vary across the different nations (Leatham, 2006). The composition and structure of households may change as a result of death, disease, crime, migrant labour, unemployment, conflicts, war, separation and desertion which may contribute to CHH (MacLellan, 2005; Smart 2003). Ayieko (2004), points out that there is a distinction between a family and a household In the former the people are related, but in the latter they may not necessarily be related even if they live together (Bower, 2005; Germann 2005)
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