EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VARIOUS OVC CARE AND SUPPORT PROGRAMMES ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF OVC IN EMBU COUNTY

Abstract

Purpose: To find out the effectiveness of the various OVC care and support programs on the improvement of quality of life of Orphans and Vulnerable children in Embu County.

Methods: This study adopted a descriptive research design. The study aimed at interviewing the 3 managers in NGO programs dealing with orphans, 7 chairpersons from CBO, FBO or a SHG supporting orphans, 5 additional group members and 20 caregivers, holding 2 focus group discussions and 4 case studies. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The responses to every question in the filled questionnaires from the respondents were edited, tabulated, analyzed and computed to percentages by use of a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Descriptive statistics such as mode, mean, percentages, standard deviations and correlation coefficients were computed and information presented in form of tables and frequency distributions.

Results: The study noted the importance of the contribution of NGOs to orphan care, but these NGOs have financial constraints and cannot adequately cover or expand to other areas. These organizations already exist at the community level and if their funding is increased there would be no need for government to establish new structures and employ new staff. The study also highlighted another important factor in the care of OVC. In Embu, there was strong community involvement in the care of OVC, with individuals and community organizations, including the commercial sector, contributing to the care of OVC.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that Government should use this model to sensitize other communities to take care of orphans in their localities. This would contribute to making OVC care sustainable.

Key words: Effectiveness, care, support programs, orphans.