| 11. CONCLUSION |
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The findings of this study show that child headed households on commercial farms are living in very difficult circumstances without sustained adult guidance. Although there are some support mechanisms within communities, these are generally ad hoc and lack a cohesive and comprehensive response to the needs of child headed households and other vulnerable children. In addition, the social and economic stress being experienced by farm worker communities at present puts any existing responses under severe strain and exacerbates the feelings of insecurity and hopelessness felt by orphaned children and child headed households especially.
Any future interventions to respond to the needs of child headed households identified in this study will need to balance material and psycho-social aspects in order to avoid undermining already existing coping mechanisms. Involvement of all key stakeholders, including young people and the children themselves is crucial. Supporting community-based responses will involve long-term capacity building and training and require thorough support and follow-up.
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"This is a tough game, especially when you don't have anything."
- Gaston, aged 17 yrs
Through psycho-social support and skills development orphaned children have a bright future
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