ASSESSING REINTEGRATION OF PREVIOUSLY INSTITUTIONALISED ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN THE CITY OF BLANTYRE, MALAWI

Abstract

HIV/AIDS and conflicts have left millions of children orphaned and vulnerable specifically in the Sub-Sahara African region. The increased number of orphaned and vulnerable children has resulted in a large proportion of them ending up in child-care institutions. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of children's adjustment in terms of social relationships within and outside of receiving communities, as well as their ability to integrate into the community following their release from a Child Care Institution. To address the study question, I conducted 28 qualitative interviews with purposefully selected participants, including previously orphaned and vulnerable children, Child Care Institution managers, family members, and a social welfare officer. I used qualitative thematic analysis to analyse the collected data. The findings reveal that poverty is the primary impetus for children to enter Child Care Institutions in Malawi. Participants recommended that reintegration begin after the children complete secondary school. Additionally, the study found that positive community perceptions aided significantly in the effectiveness of discharged children's reintegration. I conclude that the reintegration process is effective in Malawi. However, there is a need to invest in continuous monitoring and support of the reintegrated children.