CHALLENGES AFFECTING ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN (OVCS) IN EMBU COUNTY

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the challenges affecting orphans and vulnerable children (OVCS) in Embu County.

Methods: This study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was the orphans and vulnerable children support programs in Embu County. Stratified sampling was used to select 10% of orphans and vulnerable children in each location. Data was collected through household interviews, key informant interviews, observation, desk review, case studies and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data, to enable the researcher to meaningfully describe a distribution of scores or measurements using a few statistics.

Results: The findings of the study indicate that the situation of orphans and vulnerable children is escalating. The community suspects that large numbers of people are infected with HIV/AIDS. This study has shown that the family members are currently taking care of over 90% of OVC is under extreme pressure, and unless governments and international development partners redouble their current efforts to increase the capacity of the families to cope, the quality of lives of foster OVC and all children in vulnerable households remain in danger.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It is recommended that the community be involved in raising awareness of the value of life and support education in improving children future. The government should also make policies and programs that target communities where the epidemic has left the largest numbers of orphans, vulnerable children and affected families.

Key words: Children, orphans, vulnerable, challenges.