The death of parents due to factors such as violence, traffic-accidents and diseases, has caused
a growing population of orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa. Estimates showed that almost 19% of
all children in South Africa are orphaned. Research showed that, compared to non- orphaned
children, orphaned children are more disadvantaged. For that reason it is important to explore
in what way systems in the community can contribute to ensure better outcomes for orphaned
children. The aim of this research was to identify the lived psycho-educational experiences of
orphaned children living with their extended family members in Soweto, South Africa. In this
qualitative research, the sample consisted of six orphaned children, three boys and three girls,
between the age of 12 and 14 years old. Data was collected through individual, semi-structured
interviews, the compilation of collages by the orphaned children and a focus group discussion.
In this research, the majority of the psychological experiences of the children were positive.
The children perceived their extended family members as caring, both emotionally and
practically, and understanding. In regard to their educational experiences, in the experience of
the children, their extended family members encouraged them to work hard. However, the
children perceived their teachers as making fun of them, doing things to hurt their feelings, and
gossiping about them.