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Children have a range of needs at any given time and failure to address these needs may cause barriers to learning and development. Nothing threatens children's development and quality of life in the same way as the impact of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. For many, the impact is so great that their learning and development is threatened as they struggle to survive. This article reports on a research study that investigated how two rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal are responding to the impact of poverty and HIV and AIDs by supporting orphaned and vulnerable children through drop-in centres. Using social constructivism as a theoretical framework, the study sought to understand how the staff and children viewed the services provided by these centres. Findings show that drop-in centres are embraced by these communities. They also indicate that the services provided do support children in their learning and development and do reduce their vulnerability. The article concludes that the drop-in centre is a good model of care as it employs an eco-systemic approach to provide care and support for children in need.
KEYWORDS
Drop-in centre, HIV/AIDS, orphaned and vulnerable children, community, poverty
Educational Research in South Africa: Practices and Perspectives 386