Resilience factors of orphans and vulnerable children in a children’s home during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons and implications for practice post pandemic

Studies have shown evidence of resilience among orphans and vulnerable children living under different circumstances. This article explored the resilience factors that enabled orphans and vulnerable children in a children’s home to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, lessons learned and implications for practice. A total of 18 children aged between 11 and 13 years from a children’s home in Soweto, South Africa, were purposefully selected for this study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. The study revealed that individual traits such as agency, positive outlook on life and motivation were regarded as resilience factors. Furthermore, relationships with peers, physical caregiving and donors also enabled orphans and vulnerable children to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the results, lessons learned and implications for practice were drawn.