Policy implications of the inadequate support systems for orphans in Western Kenya
Abstract
This paper describes the support systems available for orphans in a rural Luo community in Nyang'oma sub-location in Bondo District of Western Kenya. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with orphaned children and their caretakers as well as key informants, and through focus group discussions with orphaned children, widows and community elders. Quantitative data were obtained by questionnaires administered to 100 caretakers of orphaned children. The most serious problem was inability of the orphan households to afford school fees, although lack of food, medicare and clothing were also prominent. The traditional, kinship-based support systems made a major contribution to catering for the orphans though the resources were far from enough. Various community-based groups in the area did not contribute significantly. The problem is getting desperate due to a combination of an exponentially increasing prevalence of orphans, poor socio-economic conditions and decline of the traditional support systems. For health planners and policy makers there are two major concerns. In the short term, a big and rapidly growing group of children are without adequate access to health services, while in the long term, the negative consequences for (in particular the girl) orphans' schooling pose a serious threat to the health of their future children. Based on the study findings, two recommendations are made: that the responsible parties address the issue of education for orphans rapidly and sufficiently and with due consideration of their food security and medicare; and that potential community resources such as kinship networks and community groups are mobilised in order to assist in achieving the goal.
Categories: Care
Other articles
Challenges in managing an orphanage: A perspective of orphanage operator in the state of Pahang
Purpose: Managing an orphanage is a challenging task. Orphanage management must exercise good practices either financially…
Read moreIQ of Children Growing Up in Children's Homes: A Meta-Analysis on IQ Delays in Orphanages
In this meta-analysis of 75 studies on more than 3,888 children in 19 different countries, the intellectual development…
Read moreEducation and Nutritional Status of Orphans and Children of Hiv–Infected Parents in Kenya
We examined whether orphaned and fostered children and children of HIV–infected parents are disadvantaged in schooling,…
Read moreSelf-esteem of Children Living with their Parents for Secondary Schools in AL-Rusafa: Comparative Study to the Children Living in Orphanage
Objectives: to find out differences in the level of self-esteem between orphanage children and children who live with their.…
Read more