Polygonal ubuntu/botho as a superlative value to embrace orphans and vulnerable children in schools

Abstract

The main objective of this intellectual piece is to explore the support provided by schools to Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. This paper is informed by Ubuntu/Botho as a conceptual framing, Ramose (2015) jog our memory that Ubuntu/Botho cannot be easily equated with humanism but rather humaneness, which is a multifaceted totality and involves symmetrical interaction of all entities. This conceptual enclosing is appropriate in this intellectual piece because it affirms one’s humanity by recognising the humanity of others and establish some humane relations with others, in this case is about Orphans and Vulnerable Children in KwaZulu-Natal schools. This paper is grounded within a mixed method research using a self-constructed questionnaire on psychosocial factors and two focused group discussions. Data was analysed through frequencies, cross tabulations and thematic analysis. The findings are schools in the province of KwaZulu-Natal were not providing adequate psychosocial support for OVC partly because of lack of Ubuntu culture that is gradually eroding Africans. The paper concludes and recommends with an imploration to inspire teachers and caregivers to bring culture of Ubuntu/Botho which include caring, sharing and unconditional support.

Keywords: Ubuntu; orphanage; vulnerability; psychosocial support; resilience