This exploratory study looks at conflict and dissension occurring in youthheaded
households in Rwanda. To gather qualitative data about these issues, seven focus
group discussions were conducted with the heads of 41 youth-headed households. Results
show that based on a participant’s personal experiences, conflict and dissension are
common in youth-headed households, manifested in poor communication and the
absence of positive interaction between members. The most often reported consequences
of this conflict and dissension include household members leaving home and becoming
separated from the family, coupled with and exacerbated by health problems and poverty.
Participants also reported feeling psychological distress, social isolation, a lack of
motivation, and suicidal thoughts. Where there is conflict, participants turn to their own
friends or their parents’ friends for support. Participants also reported needing economic
assistance and psychosocial support. Based on the focus group interviews, the researcher
concludes that it would be beneficial to set up specific community-based structures that
could deal with all issues of daily life and regulation facing youth-headed households.
The researcher recommends that the training of youth-headed households in how to take
on family responsibilities should be a national policy.