Social Work

Permanent URI for this collection

http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/21

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 576

Fertility and Child Mortality in Agricultural Households of Rural Ethiopia: The Case of Arssi Administrative Region
(Addis Ababa University, 1986-04) Seleshi, Kebede
The Survival Mechanisms o£ Female Household Heads in a Small Town of Et.hiopia: The Cese o£ Holote Genet.
(Addis Ababa University, 1999-06) Toma, Senbetie; Mulugeta, Solomon (PhD)
Female household heads are common all round the world. Their number is also increasing. Above all they are a severely disadvantaged group of society both socially and economically. The urban female household heads, in particular, are the most vulnerable group of the society to most of the urban problems. This study, therefore, aims at assessing the socio-economic and survival mechanisms of urban female household heads. The town of Holota Genet is the study area. The data used in the study was gathered through a questionnaire survey by considering 122 female household heads. About 64 percent of the respondents were widows and 26 percent were divorcees. The rest (10%) became household heads because of other reasons. All of the respondents were engaged in the informal sector at the time of the survey. As a common feature of this sector, the income of the respondents was relatively very low. Most of the respondents reported that they have decreased their level of participation in traditional savings such as Idir and Iqub because of their financial constraints. The divorcees were more likely to engage in prostitution than the widowed. The widows, on the other hand, were more likely to own their dwelling units than the divorcees. The female household heads use various survival mechanisms. Some of them send their children to work in order to generate income. Some others have given their children to adoptive parents and relatives. Remarriage, geographic mobility, sale of assets, diversification of items of sale, borrowing of money and cohabitation with male partners are also commonly observed among the female household heads. Among the identified survival mechanisms, borrowing money was reported by almost all of the respondents. Change of residence, change of occupation and giving away children to adoptive parent followed it in importance.
Employment and Income in the Urban Informal Sector; A case Study of Katikala Producers in Assela Town
(Addis Ababa University, 1999-06) Wolde, Tesfaye
Katikala, which in the past was a traditional home made alcoholic drink, has now became a commercial item and is supporting considerable number of labour force (of female), particularly in urban parts of Ethiopia. The purpose of this study is to assess employment and income generating capacity of katikala business in Assela town. In order to achieve this, a multi-stage sampling procedure was employed. Usable questionnaires were collected from 200 katikala producing households in six systematically selected kebeles andfrom 30 katikala distributors. In order to achieve this objective, both descriptive and statistical analytical techniques have been utilized. Pearson's product moment model was employed so as to measure the degree of association between the dependent variable (income) and the different independent variables. The Dega and Weina-Dega partsof Arsi Zone have excess production of crops like barley, wheat, tef!, etc. while the adjacent low-lands (kola) parts are producing excess volume of maize, sorghum and others. As a result all the inputs for the production of Katikala are available in and around Assela. The finding indicated that Katikala industry is found to support huge labour force (almost entirely of female) particularly in the production sector. Lack of job opportunity, family responsibility, insufficient family income from other sources are found to be the major pushing factors for the operators to be involved into the activity. The producers are using simple and rudimentary tools and they work unsanitary conditions. The finding further revealed that Katikala producers generate average monthly income of Birr J 02. 9, while the distributors get average monthly income of Birr 260. O. Both the producers and distributors of Katikala are carrying out other side line activities in Katikala business to augment their incomes. Of the total volume of Katikala produced in Assela, 68 to 80% is exported and destined at Addis Ababa (Akaki and Kality), Nazreth (including Wonji), Methehara, Harar, Dire-Dawa and others. These towns constitute substantial proportion of industrial labour force whose monthly income is amongst the lowest in the country. These low salaried and waged people are found to be the major consumers of such liquors as Tella and Katikala.As the study underscored, monthly income of the producers was influenced by lack of capital, family size as well as the level of income from other sideline activities. Similarly, investing capital, work experience and their age are found to be the principal determinants of income of the distributors. The problems of housing, fluctuation of cost of input and out put, inadequate infrastructural facilities, the rudimentary equipment used in the activity and the backward techniques of production are found to be major constraints among the producers. On the distributors side, absence of defined or predetermined location for sale of katikala in the open market, inadequacy of the existing transportation and the excessive governmental tax were reported as major constraints
Evaluation of the Implementation of Science Radio Broadcasts in the Primary Schools of Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2001-06) Tadesse, Tefera; Nekatibeb, Teshome (PhD)
Social Networks , Conflict and Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanisms Among the Derba Oromo of North Shewa
(Addis Ababa University, 2005-01) Gudisa, Demissie; Tolera (ph.D), Asefa
The Oromo of Derba had been engaged in endemic conflicts among themselves through out their history. Homicide and the Guma resolution mechanism have continued to the present decade though the imposition of the state laws to ban the indigenous mechanisms is beyond expectation. This thesis attempts to explain the underlying causes, motives, types and nature of Derba Oromo conflict in general. It reviews some theoretical approaches to the study of social networks, conflicting human behavior and demonstrates that the Derba Oromo conflict was rooted in their social structure. This study clearly reveals that networks playa significant role in conflict enhancing or as a means of bringing peace. Thus, individuals can manipulate their contacts to destroy their enemy. On the contrary, members of lineage could ostracize their members who are provocative and always tend to drag them into conflict. This way avoiding the notorious network member is preferred to entering the unjustifiable conflict with their neighbors. Among the Derba Oromo Walwaalechaa (kinship relationship) is still intact as it fulfills the expected kinship obligations. Moreover, important contacts and coalitions are proved to enable individuals to attain their goals even though the alliance is temporary. Despite the imposition from the government that litigants should t!'ike their cases to courts, the people still prefer the traditional Jaarssumma (moot) to settle their disputes. Thus, they try to avoid the legal courtroom as much as possible and go to the therapeutic and conciliatory moot. This research has found out that, using the traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, the Derba Oromo go to the extent of settling homicide cases through Seera Waadaa (Agre~ment reached among the Woreda elderly). This way homicide cases are resolved by the payment of Guma (compensation), which is facilitated by Daachii (selected elders). It also shows the role of the Qallu in conflict resolution process. A litigant who refuses to settle conflict is forced by the Qallu to uphold the approved patterns of social conduct. The Qallu is highly respected and feared that if anyone is pleaded by the name of the Ayyaana responds quickly. So the Qallu institution is visited by its followers time and again not only for spiritual ceremony. The institution serves as the center of dispute resolution. Most of the time people settle their disputes at the Qallu center with mutual understanding ' and the interference of the Qallu himself.
Practice of Inter-Country Adoption in Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2005-06-20) Alemu, Tenagane; Peras, Donna(Professor)
This qualitative study explores and describes the practice of inter-country adoption in Ethiopia. The study sample included 13 key informants, 11 in-depth interviewees, 15 participants in FGDs, and physical observation of the court, agencies and orphanages. Major findings included that while inter-country adoption serves many children well, inter-country adoption as practice in Ethiopia has various problems that compromise its effectiveness, such as: working relationships among organizations facilitating inter-country adoption, time and cost required to complete the process, reliability of documents presented to the concerned governmental agencies, and the legal structure of the process. Recommendations include that the Ethiopian government should revise the legal provisions to establish an effective system for inter-country adoption, illegal actors should be legally challenged, and technical provisions and supervisory mechanisms should support the working relationships among all legal actors
Care and support and people living with HIV and AIDS at Holy water: An assessment at four selected sites in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Berhanu, Zena; Linsk, Nathan(PhD)
The world at large, with various social and health problems is demanding remedies that would help improve the lives of citizens. HIV/AIDS being one of the greatest challenges of this century compels nations to respond to the situation in whatever way is possible. This assessment is done in a way to look for alternative response mechanisms to HIV/AIDS that could in the long run be complemented and integrated to the widely known bio-medical approach of HIV treatments. The selected four holy water sites could show the need to search for other cultural or alternative ways of responses being utilized by individuals to counter act the effect of the epidemic. By applying mainly in-depth interview and other forms of interviews, the assessment tried to identify various issues such as attitude and experience of PLWHAs using the holy water and other spiritual treatments as well as anti-HIV/AIDS drugs. In addition, the various needs and problems associated with the PLWHAs and the system at the sites are assessed. Holy water use in the form of drink and shower is the main treatment used by the PLWHAs together with other spiritual practices. And people in most cases are in need of compromising the spiritual practices together with the medical knowledge through counseling or other models, which are not available, let alone to access and utilize. At the same time due to the widespread poverty, this section of the population is also affected very much. Fulfilling basic needs is difficult to most of them. In addition the social isolation from their families relatives and friends is very common to the majority to these communities
Community Response to Provision of Care and Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Constraints, Challenges and Opportunities: The Case of Chagni Town, Guangua Woreda
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Mekuriaw, Yohannes; Johnson, Alice K. (PhD)
The impact of HIV/AIDS on orphan and vulnerable children is one of the challenges that communities in sub-Saharan countries encounter. Yet, in countries such as Ethiopia, the effort that communities exert to combat and address the problem and extent of the response has not been fully documented. This thesis begins to address this gap in existing scholarship by presenting a case study of one community’s response to the care of orphan and vulnerable children (OVC). Its purpose is to come up with inputs for designing community-based programs and strategies to address the problem in the study area. The study was conducted in Guangua woreda, Awi Zone, Amhara National Regional state. The methods employed are qualitative, utilizing data collection techniques such as interviews with OVC caregivers, service providers, community-based organizations (CBOs), civil society associations, and faith-based organizations (FBOs). The research methods also include three case interviews with OVC and field observation. The main findings suggest that community awareness to the problem of OVC is relatively high in Chagni- town, but response to the problem is low. HIV/AIDS and poverty are the main factors that attribute to the vulnerability and problems of OVC and their caregivers. Almost all OVC and their caregivers live in abject poverty and are unable to meet their basic needs. The extended family and local HIV/AIDS projects are the main providers of care and support to OVC in the community. Nevertheless, some community initiatives exist. These include Egna-Legna Orphan and Street Children Association (ELOSCA), an OVC association, and care and support by community iddirs. The types of care and support provisions are mainly financial and material; medical, legal support and psychosocial support are generally non-existent. The main challenges that the community encounters in OVC care and support are stigma and discrimination, poverty and lack of OVC policy and guidelines on community-based care and support. Policy and practice implications of the study include the need for more extensive community assessments of the situation of OVC and their caregivers. There is also a need to build the capacity of local communities to respond to OVC, including advocating and lobbying for adoption and foster care, as well as resource mobilization for comprehensive care and support for OVC living in the community. Moreover, there is a need for the endorsement of OVC policy as guidelines for implementing community care and support. The study also suggests the need for more comprehensive communitybased, integrative approaches that incorporate the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the community and poverty alleviation programs for children and families
The Situation of Scavenging Children on the Waste Dumping Sites of Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Abera, Deribe; Rollin, James E.(Professor)
This research is conducted on the situation of scavenging children on the biggest waste dumping site of Addis Ababa. Currently there are more than 458 scavenging children with the age range of 4 – 18 years old. While we have such big number of vulnerable children who are scavenging on the waste dump site, waste is dumped by anyone with no control mechanism. So, the researcher has made an attempt to investigate the impact of such uncontrolled waste disposal practice, the psychosocial impact of being scavenging children, their group dynamic, family background, problems and causes of scavenging, risk factors including the possibility of being exposed to hazardous chemicals including lead, and radio active elements, laws and regulation related to children and waste management and the policy gaps, poor waste disposal practice and its adverse effect, on the life of children. As a result of this, it is found that the life of the children is at absolute risk because of higher possibility for exposure to hazardous chemicals and vector of diseases. The policy gaps with reluctant position of governmental institutions are identified. Important and affordable as well as applicable recommendations, policy alternatives, and operational suggestions are given in this research work including laws ratification, institutional strengthening, start up of new projects for psychosocial rehabilitation and preventive intervention on the site are suggested. At the end the implication of the problem to the social work profession is also mentioned
Life Skill and its Contribution to Competent Workforce Development: The Case of Sociology and Social Anthropology and Psychology Undergraduate Students in Addis Ababa University
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Assefa, Abebe; Alice K., Johnson (PhD)
Undertaking major investment in education to achieve rapid economic growth that will enable poor people to be the beneficiary has been taken as one of the means for Ethiopia to relay on. However, the links between policies and practices are not yet harmonized. This is mainly because of the lack of integration of life skill development, which includes value, identity and interpersonal development components with the intellectual development programs in the higher education system. This research therefore assessed the contribution of life skill to competent workforce development using both student survey and employer’s key informant interview. The research findings indicate the lack of life skill development survives in the university system on the one hand and the existence of informal services that have been influencing student’s life skills in the university on the other hand. Accordingly, the contribution of friends, relatives, religious leaders and politician to help students learn some of the life skills while attending their study in the university are found to be the four top influential bodies
Parents and Children in ‘Empty Shell’ Families: A Case Study on Selected Families Residing In Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Barry, Aissetu; Jhoshi, Sandhya (Professor)
Empty-shell’ family is a family setting where couples have no more sexual and emotional ties while they are still living together under the same roof with their children. This research is a case study that incorporates 15 individuals who are from five families, i.e. five couples who are parents and five children. The research tries to assess the causes that prompt families to be an ‘empty-shell’ and consequences of being in ‘empty- shell’ families on parents and their children. Furthermore, the underlying reasons why parents choose to stay in ‘empty shell’ families are assessed and the implication of social work for ‘empty-shell’ families is identified. This paper has also taken into consideration the ethical and cultural issues
Guddifachaa Practice as Child Problem Intervention in Oromo Society: The Case of Ada’a Liban District
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Negeri, Dessalegn; Rollin, James (Professor)
The practice of adoption as an institution has existed long period in Ethiopian societies where the term guddifachaa used to represent it. It implies adopting a child by satisfying the economic, legal, and social rights. Guddifachaa practices assume different socioeconomic purposes, not studied widely. This paper presents about the guddifachaa practice as community based child problem intervention. It creates just environment for the next generations especially for vulnerable children, when the Cultural knowledge and practices revitalized within the existing social structures. A research attempts to define the social work profession with country’s socio cultural context in that the Guddifachaa practice needs less resource, skills, and less expertise in the process. This practice has significant effect with the social work advocacy, lobby and integration to children welfare policies in the country
The Situations of HIV/AIDS Infected and Affected People in Dessie Town Amahara Regional State Ethiopia
(Addis Abeba University, 2006-06) Wolde, Tesfaye; Linsk, Nathan L. (PhD))
The population structure of Dessie town is one of the main towns in Amahara regional state of Ethiopia where the young constitutes the largest proportion. The situation of HIV/AIDS in the region is one of the worst is the country with persistently high prevalence. It is estimated about three thousand HIV/AIDS infected people are found and Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) are considered some of the groups most heavily affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the town. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to investigate the situations of HIV/AIDS infected and affected people in the town. For the quantitative part, survey questionnaire was utilized, and focused group discussion as well as key informant interview was used to collect qualitative data. Both qualitative and quantitative findings show that there is luck of sufficient access to basic services like food, health care, Shelter, education and economic support for HIV/AIDS infected and affected people in the town. There is lack of coordination of efforts and resources among the stakeholders. Programs and projects have also been identified as being developed without studies and response analysis of the beneficiaries. Therefore, the study findings suggest the recommendations basically the coordination, follow up and control of HIV/AIDS activities in Dessie town should be strengthened
Determining Factors that Affect Pregnant Women’s Utilization of PMTCT Services in Ethiopia: The Case of Health Facilities at Nazareth/Adama
(2006-06) Tesfahun, HaileMichael; Linsk, Nathan L. (Professor)
Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (MTCT) has infected a large number of infants in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. However, the risk of MTCT has dropped to as low as 2% in developed countries since the introduction of antiretroviral drugs. MTCT can occur during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and after birth through breast-feeding. The prevention of MTCT depends on the health care system and community based organizations and structures. The purpose of this qualitative and evaluative study was to find out the factors determining the seropositive mothers’ PMTCT service utilization and know where the gap is. Findings revealed a number of factors for PMTCT service utilization. These center on lack of resource capacity at the health facilities to render necessary services, lack of coordinated care and support, lack of male partners’ involvement, lack of home based care, safe-home birth practices, and lack of community involvement in the program. On provision of a range of services, the MTCT should not only focus on saving the child but also on the health and psychosocial well-being of the mother and the family
Effects of Gender Disparity on the Lives of Women: The Case of Kibet Town of Silti Woreda in Snnpr
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Yigezu, Tena; Joshi, Sandya (Professor)
The paper is aimed to study the effects of gender disparity on the lives of women in Kibet town of Silti woreda. The paper has tried to assess the living condition of women, their contribution in the household, their legal rights and their general socio-economic situation. Survey is the method used to generate data from sample respondents. In support of the primary data, available literature was reviewed.The survey result indicated that due to the socially constructed gender disparity women are deprived of their basic rights and over burdened with domestic tasks. They are also made to hold subordinate position in the household. The secondary position of women in the household affected the exercise of their legal rights. They are excluded from control and ownership of resources, access to education, credit services and other basic services. The low access to education resulted in low employment opportunities. In addition, lack of control and ownership over productive resources impede their decision-making power in both the household and the community. Due to all these factors, they are limited to the tedious and routine household tasks. With a little help from children, they perform all these activities from early in the morning to mid night
Cross Sectonal Assessment of Violence Against Female Domestic Workers in Gulele Sub-City for Local Level Intervention
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Getachew, Yared; Rollin, James(PhD)
There has been growing public and professional concerns in Ethiopia on the issue of violence against women. Though domestic workers had been among the most vulnerable groups to violence in the country, it has hardly got the research attention of the ongoing nation wide activities of anti-violence campaign. The present study has tried to contribute to filling in the research gab in the area in the country by aiming at undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the context, magnitude and consequences of violence being committed against female domestic workers in Gulele Sub-city of Addis Ababa. A total of 82 female domestic workers were purposively selected for the study from different sites in the sub-city. The assessment was made using adapted Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSC-25), structured interview schedules and unstructured interviews. The following were among the major findings of the study: The reasons given by most of the domestic workers for becoming domestic workers were escape from violence or lack of subsistence in their family and marriage life or both. The results of the study on the involvement of intermediaries and the use of the un-kept promises (i.e. deception) in the process of turning the target subjects into domestic workers was found to involve - trafficking, which was not only gender based violence but also major crime in the penal code. It was observed that most of the target domestic workers have experienced sexual violence as well as economic violence by the brokers. The results of the study on the work conditions of the domestic workers, the absence of legally binding work agreement by the employers and the very meager amount of salary being paid while they were working all day long without little or no break seem to demonstrate the prevalence of major violation of the rights of the domestic workers. It was observed that the work relationship between the domestic workers and their employers found to be characterized by negative behaviors that strongly suggest the high level of mental cruelty of the latter. The results seem to confirm the violation of the rights of domestic workers i.e. citizenship, political, social and cultural rights. The very high prevalence rate results observed in all the violence assessment subscales strongly suggest that the target domestic workers had had experienced pervasive violent behaviors examined in the study namely; psychological aggression, physical assault, sexual harassment/abuse and mental cruelty by their employers in the last 12 months. As to the chronicity of violence, it observed that the extent of violent behaviors experienced by the domestic workers over the past year was ‘most chronic’. The statistically significant gender difference observed in both the prevalence and chronicity of violence committed against the domestic workers suggest the higher rate of involvement in the perpetration of the violence behaviors by female employers than male employers The results of the self-ratings of the domestic workers on HSCL-25 showed that most of them have been experiencing the symptoms of major depression and anxiety disorders. Likewise the results on PTSD assessment indicated that the majority of the domestic workers (i.e. above 70 percent) experienced the symptoms of the post-traumatic stress disorders. The study also identified the major risks and vulnerabilities, social networks, coping mechanisms and strengths of female domestic workers and came up with recommendations
Exploratory Study of Homelessness in Ledeta Sub City of Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Hagos, Ashenafi; Johnson, Alice K. (PhD)
Homelessness is one of the main problems that many countries, including Ethiopia, face. This thesis is an exploratory study of homelessness in Addis Ababa- Ledeta sub city, an urban slum area in the southwestern part of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The purpose of this research is two-fold: 1) to develop a questionnaire to assess homelessness in Ethiopia, 2) to find out the history and causes of homelessness, the challenges of living as a homeless person, and the strengths of the homeless in finding a way out from homelessness. The questionnaire was developed in two parts. First, individual narratives with 25 homeless individuals formed the basis for modifying an existing interview used with the homeless in New York City. The instrument was revised and tested with an additional 50 homeless persons. The final version of the Ashenafi Hagos Homeless Questionnaire was fielded with 100 additional homeless persons living on the street in tents and plastic sheeting, in shelters, and the hidden homeless who rent cheap rooms for the night in urban houses. The major findings of the study include: 1) factors which lead individuals to homelessness are rural-urban migration, early childhood experiences, and unemployment; 2) homeless people’s sources of income include begging, working as a house-servant, and other secondary jobs;, 3) preferable places of living are areas around hospitals, churches, colleges and at the sides of rivers; 4) major challenges faced by the homeless people are shortage of food, health problems, lack of security, discrimination and stigma; ,5) single women and children face many challenges than other group of homeless population; 6) homeless individuals who are living in plastic accommodations face more challenges as compared to the other ones; and 7)most of the homeless believe that they can not be housed by themselves. The Ashenafi Hagos Homeless Questionnaire (AHHQ) can be used to understand the background of homeless people, the main causes of homelessness, the challenges they face, their ways of living, and their strengths. Implications for social action include: 1) provision of low cost housing and temporary shelter; 2) provision of training and employment; 3) provision of health facilities, 4) provision of conducive environment to educate homeless children; 5) legal coverage especially for women and children; 6) alcohol and chat recovery services programs; and 7) advocacy in order to gain support from the wider community and to reduce stigma and discrimination
The Situation of Children of Imprisoned Mothers: The Case of Addis Ababa Prison
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Abebe, Selamawit; Rollin, James E.(PhD)
Despite the increasing number of women in prison who have children, little is known about their children’s situation during their imprisonment. This study attempts to assess the situation of children of imprisoned mothers. Survey method was mainly used for the purpose of data collection. Accordingly, 34 mothers in Addis Ababa Prison were asked about the situation of their 61 children. In addition, five children were interviewed about their condition. The findings indicate that children of imprisoned mothers live in a very difficult situation deprived of their basic needs and right. The findings have led to some recommendations that will help to curb the unfortunate situation of the children
HIV/AIDS and Its Impact on the Traditional Support Networks of the Elderly: The Case of Arada Sub City In Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Tezazu, Mussie; Linsk, Nathan L. (Professor)
The purpose of this study is to assess and analyze the consequences HIV/AIDS on the traditional support networks of the elderly in Arada sub-city. The study focuses on assessing the impact of HIV/AIDS on the traditional support networks of the elderly; problems, aggravating factors and coping mechanisms of older people; and policy responses and the existing practices to address problems of older people. The methodology of the study was qualitative where primary and secondary sources of data were used. To collect the necessary data, the researcher employed key informant interview, focus group discussion, semi-structured interview, observation, in-depth interview and document analysis as major techniques. In this regard, interview guides, topical outlines, and observation checklists have been used. In the course of analysis, family care giving, community care and support through its institutions, supports of religious institutions, alms giving, and sporadic initiatives by associations and private enterprises have been identified as traditional support networks of the elderly. Lack of basic needs; financial constraints; age related health problems; psychosocial stress and trauma; social exclusions; etc are the major problems of older people. Whereas, poverty, lack attention, absence of social security, death of children from AIDS, the myths and misconception related to aging and lack of elderly-targeted programs are the identified aggravating factors. HIV/AIDS is affecting the traditional support networks of the elderly in a variety of ways. It was concluded that though it is difficult to figure out the number of older people infected/affected by the epidemic. HIV/AIDS is changing the roles of the elderly from being the recipient of care to providers of care and support. In this regard, the researcher suggests a number of relevant areas of social work practice to address problems of the elderly. Accordingly, policy responses; advocacy and awareness raising to maintain the traditional support networks, and designing and implementing participatory older peoplefocused relevant social word interventions at micro, mezzo and macro levels are recommended
Needs, Problems, and Responses to the Situation of Aids Orphans and other Vulnerable Children (Ovc) : The Case of Lideta Sub-City Kebele 01/18
(Addis Ababa University, 2006-06) Mengiste, Teshome; Joshi, Sandhya (Professor)
Background: This study was conducted in Addis Ababa city Administration, Lideta Sub-City, Kebele 01/18. One of the concerns in this study was to provide a relatively complete and reliable picture of the situation of OVC in kebele 01/18, focusing on the magnitude, characteristics, causes and consequences. The study was also attempted to show the impact of OVC on families, households and communities. Objective: Understand and realize the situation of OVC at household level in Kebele 01/18 and thereby improve the environment that is supportive for the care and protection needs of children and families affected by HIV/AIDS is the general objective of this study. Methods: The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative techniques to gather relevant information. Different categories of respondents, which were the units from which information was collected, had participated in this study. The total subjects of the study were 90. Data was collected using a structured, semi structured and unstructured questionnaire for different categories of respondents. Results: A total of 50 heads of OVC households and 25 OVC age 10 and above participated in the study. In the study, it was found that the majority (82%) of the heads of OVC households were female while the remaining (18 %) were male. Investigation of the living arrangement of orphans revealed that the majority of them live within the extended family system. Each adult headed households care for approximately 2 OVC while child headed households care for three children. A considerable proportion (26%) of OVC households depend on support from NGOs, begging and house rent for livelihoods. The study showed that the average income of the OVC households is Birr 157.40. The majority (58 %) of the households the members have contributed nothing to the income of the household. The study also showed that 62 percent of the OVC households have at least three meals per day irrespective of quality and quantity. However, 30 percent of the households reported that they were less likely to have access to such categories/ frequencies (breakfast, lunch and dinner) of meals. The majority, 80 % (58 and 22 %) of the respondents viewed their living standards as extremely poor and lives below average as compared with their neighbors. Most of the households surveyed had access to potable water and latrine. But, most of them do not have these services in their dwellings. Except few (12%), majority of heads of OVC households have faced problems like family trouble as a result of taking in these OVC. The health care system and provision of schools seems sufficient for a large number of the families. At present, the majority (80%) of them are reported that they are in school. However, most of the children were totally absent or missed the first period of the class, perform low and do not pay attention to their education. Respondents from each institution agreed that the magnitude of OVC in the sub-city, in the Kebele and schools is increasing though difficult to pinpoint the exact number. The institutions also identified the major gaps in the implementation of OVC program and proposed solutions. In general, they observed that families and communities are the first line of response to the epidemic concerning orphan care. Conclusion and Recommendation: Strengthening capacities of families and communities, providing counseling services to affected children and their care givers, and looking for possibilities to reunite OVC like street children with their relatives are some of the recommendation of this study

Browse

Browsing Social Work by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options