Situational Analysis of Orphans and Vulnerable Children: The Case of Bahir Dar Town, Northwest Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2006-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze and present the current situations of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in BahirDar town. OVC were the unit of analysis for the study. Exploratory research design was employed. The data was gathered from OVC, caregivers, organizations working with children and community leaders, and FGD and IDIs methods was used to gather data. The findings of the study show the problems OVC becomes a great concern or threat for communities. HIV/AIDS was identified as number one factor for the increasing number of OVC. These children faced problems of food, clothes, access to school, medical care, stigma/neglect, improper inheritance of properties and psychosocial problems. OVC's accessibility for education was considered as their main needs. Community members were aware of the situation of OVC but they view OVC as the responsibility of their families, NGOs or government. Some Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and Faith Based Organizations (FBO) were undertaking the support of OVC. More input at community level is needed for the safety nets of OVC. Local government and community leaders need to ensure children are getting their rights to education. Foster families need assistance to learn how to cope with more dependents and how to settle bereaved children through family life skill training. There is an increased need for grass root community action to curb the pandemic. The different players have different roles but currently there is too much reliance on NGOs. The challenge is to find low cost intervention which communities themselves can start. Communities need to advocate against cultural and social practices that are spreading HIV in their community
Description
Keywords
Social Work