Helping Professional’s Perception of the Welfare Needs of Aids Orphans in South Africa

Abstract

This study surveyed the opinions of Helping Professionals (Social Workers, Counselors and Psychologists) on the welfare needs of AIDS orphans in South Africa. A total of 60 Help Givers were randomly selected from three Districts (Harrismith, Phuthaditjhaba, and Bethlehem) from the Free State Province in South Africa. Out of this number, fifty-two responded to a 20 item questionnaire constructed by the researcher to collect data.

Among others, helping professionals were in agreement with the following welfare needs of AIDS Orphans:

• Adequate feeding;
• Education about how to prevent AIDS;
• Access to qualitative education;
• Basic personal requirement;
• Counseling to cope with the situation; and
• Good career/job.

The findings were thereafter discussed, and recommendation made.

Keywords: Helping Professionals, Welfare Needs and AIDS Orphans