INSTITUTIONALIZED CHILD CARE IN URBAN SOUTH AFRICA

Many articles from my preliminary research had a negative outlook on the role
Western donors played in the operations of a child center. (AbouAssi, 2013; Degnbol-
Martinussen& Engberg-Pedersen, 2003) The way this relationship was primarily
portrayed was of the institution acting only as a puppet of Western interests while the
needs of the population being served were poorly understood. (Sachs, 2005) While my
observations do not erase the importance of curbing Western hegemony expressing itself
through charity, most of the work between funders and the institution was collaborative.
The dynamics between Bryanston Bible Church and 5Cees, for example, offered mutual
feedback and the church was able to adapt its mentoring services as needed.
There are many levels at which further OVC scholarship could be applied,
particularly scholarship that adds to the nuance behind other studies. Studies evaluating
the mental health of orphans and vulnerable children could be bolstered by understanding
the differing scenarios in which one could resort to institutionalization. Studies evaluating
the efficacy of institutionalization could be further explored by an expanse in the amount
of literature portraying various institutions in different regions. More detailed research
surrounding the social dynamics and day-to-day life within an institution can serve to
help inform public policy about such arrangements, minimizing risks and ascertaining
adequate resources and staffing. Similarly, such knowledge could be used to inform
public heath policy, including the distribution of HIV/AIDS vaccines and anti-retroviral
therapies.
One significant gain that is to be made by a more complete understanding of
dynamics within institutions is a shift in the language used to discuss OVC. The existing
literature has already served to shift language away from the concept of orphanhood and
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