Boosting the resilience of orphaned and vulnerable children through cultural stories

What is it about?

We read folktales to African children living in disadvantaged socio-economic and psycho-social circumstances to determine if this would increase their resilience to the severe adversities they face on a daily basis as AIDS orphans. The evidence shows that the mere reading of the stories was effective in that it helped them to develop a more positive sense of self and improved their relationships with significant others.

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Why is it important?

There are many children orphaned and rendered vulnerable by HIV and AIDS in Africa and this study shows how a cultural asset (folktales) can be used to increase their coping responses in a cost effective, easily administered manner by teachers/caregivers with minimal training