‘Kufunika kwa mtundu/fuko’ (Family circle): Understanding experiences of grandparents raising grandchildren in Malawi

Abstract

In Malawi, grandparents play significant roles in raising children when parents are absent. An inductive thematic qualitative approach was used to understand experiences of Malawian custodial grandparents. Seven focus groups with 29 grandparents were conducted and six themes emerged: (1) Better future for the children, (2) Family circle, (3) Strong support from other grandparents and the community, (4) Financial and physical hardships, (5) Intergenerational conflicts and discipline issues, and (6) Desire for more involvement with their grandchildren’s education and school. Roles of schools and non-governmental organizations as community resource centers with robust family engagement practices are explored.