The <i>ubuntu</i> principle amongst the Shona speaking people in promoting the wellness of HIV and AIDS orphaned learners in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The article is based on a study that was conducted to establish how the ubuntu principle is reflective in the Shona speaking people as they promote wellness of HIV/AIDS orphaned learners who live in Masvingo City in Zimbabwe. The study unveiled various ways in which the Shona speaking people are doing to promote the wellness of HIV and AIDS orphaned learners. More specifically, the main focus of the study was to look into the Ubuntu principle among the Shona speaking people in the lives of HIV/AIDS orphaned learners. The study was a qualitative ethnographic study and the participants were purposefully selected. The sample consisted of five double orphans of age range 12 to15 and five caregivers mainly grandmothers of ages ranging 65 to70. Ethical considerations were observed by the researchers. Interviews and observations were used as data collection methods. Data were analyzed through the inductive content analysis coding, categorizing then eventually coming up with themes. Findings revealed that extended family heads are experiencing great financial challenges to promote the physical wellness of HIV/AIDS orphaned learners. The extended families applied Ubuntu by assisting the orphans with physical needs so that their wellness could be enhanced. The study proposes ways that can be used in strengthening cultural ways that will ensure that the orphans are well looked after and not discriminated against.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS orphan, ubuntu, poverty, support, extended families, wellness