Psychosocial wellbeing of orphaned children in selected primary schools in Tanzania (original) (raw)
Related papers
PloS one, 2018
Orphans face multiple challenges including insufficient food, shelter, schooling, and medical care. Most research on orphans in developing countries concentrates on nutrition and health status. The present study aims to explore the psychological wellbeing of in-school orphaned and non-orphaned children. A comparative cross-sectional study design was used in 370 randomly selected children aged between 10 and 18. Two rosters (one for orphans and one for non-orphans) were created, and then 185 were selected from each roster. Trained field workers used structured questionnaires to obtain information from participants. An adapted Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Scale was used to measure psychological wellbeing. Mean scores were determined for each dimension and for total psychological wellbeing. The mean split was used to divide psychological wellbeing into "high" and "low". Data were coded, entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The independent sample t-t...
CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research - Zenodo, 2022
This study analysed the psychosocial support needs for orphans and vulnerable children in primary education. The particular focus was on public primary schools in Epworth, Mabvuku and Tafara. these schools were located in Harare of Zimbabwe.the analysis of this qualitative research study was based on the perspectives of 10 school heads, 10 teachers, 5 school counselors, and 80 orphans and vulnerable children, making a sample of 105 participants. These participants were drawn from 10 public primary schools in the areas mentioned above. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. The study used interviews and focus group discussions to collect data. The data that were collected were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results revealed that while OVC in the research setting received some form of assistance from either government or NGOs, the assistance packages provided were not adequate to address the basic needs required to sustain the concerned children. The most pronounced insufficiencies were in the areas of educational, food and counseling support. The study recommended that the government and NGOs should coordinate and synchronise to ensure that the assistance provided to OVC in public primary schools in Epworth, Mabvuku and Tafara, addresses their basic needs.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), 2023
The study aimed to assess social and psychological challenges facing orphaned children living in the orphanages in Tanzania. The motivational theory of Abraham Maslow guided this study with the use of the qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were employed to collect data from the research participants. The study was carried out in four orphanage centres within three wards in Dar es Salaam Region. A purposive sampling technique was employed to get 29 participants for this study. Specifically, the study intends to answer the following unexplored questions: i) What are the social challenges facing orphaned children living in the orphanages? ii) What are the psychological challenges facing orphaned children living in the orphanages? The findings revealed that in the orphanages orphaned children experienced various social challenges including shortage of basic needs, shortage of educational materials, and lack of sport gears as well as poor health services. They also faced psychological challenges like physical punishment, bullying behaviours from fellows, segregation, isolation and poor attachment from their caregivers. Such challenges are indicators for defining ineffectiveness of caregivers in providing psychosocial services to orphaned children. The study concluded that in the present context, orphanages are not a good residence for orphans' psychosocial wellbeing due to shortage of funds and presence of untrained personnel. The study recommended that, the government should formulate interventional policies and enact laws which would look after the welfare of orphaned children rather than depending on the institutional Care.
The psychosocial well-being of orphans in Southern Africa: the perception of orphans and teachers
The escalation in numbers of orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa has become a human catastrophe. If governments do not deal with this phenomenon as a priority it might spiral beyond control. Very few studies have been done to investigate the psychosocial impact of orphanhood on children and communities in developing countries. Very little is known about the life world of orphans in developing countries and even less is known about factors in these children's lives which can affect their mental health. The researchers decided to undertake research in three areas in Southern Africa to investigate the psychosocial well-being of orphans and to compare the findings with existing research findings. A survey was done in three rural areas to determine the perceptions of orphans regarding their own personal experiences and emotional feelings which may reflect on psychosocial well-being, as well as the perceptions of teachers working with these orphans. Except for depression, the findings with regard to most of the psychosocial aspects were in accordance with the literature. The most important findings were that bereavement practices and approaches fit for developed communities might be of little value in developing settings. We are, however, more than aware that orphans from developed counties or even urban settings might differ from those of developing or deep rural areas.
East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
This study investigated psychosocial challenges facing orphaned children and caregivers as well as possible intervention strategies that could be adopted to mitigate these challenges in the institutionalised orphaned children centres in Ubungo Municipal, Dar es Salaam. The study used a qualitative research approach and a descriptive research design. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select six orphanage centres. The study had a sample of 67 participants including children receiving orphanage care at the institutionalised orphaned children centres, caregivers and directors of the centres who were selected through purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and a non-observation method and were sorted and coded based on themes and presented according to the research questions. Thematic analysis was used in qualitative data. Findings from the study revealed that orphaned children were supported with various services including food, clothes, ...
Investigating psychosocial problems of orphan children in primary schools
Journal of Pedagogical Research, 2020
The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial problems of orphan children in public primary schools. The study is based on a mixed-type research design focusing on both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. A total of 73 participants were involved in the study. Fifty-five orphaned students who were participated in filling the questionnaires were selected using simple random sampling technique while six orphaned children, nine teachers and three non-governmental officials were participated in the interview were selected through purposive sampling technique. To analyze the data descriptive statistics, mean score and standard deviation was calculated to determine the psychosocial problems of orphan children. One sample t-test also computed to see whether there was statistical significance different between the expected and actual mean scores at the t-value on the psychosocial problems of orphan children. Data collected through interview was presented and analyzed thematically. The results revealed that orphan children were exposed to diverse psychological problems, economical, social related problems and exhibited in problematic behaviors that tremendously affect their education and life in general. Considering the results, it was recommended that stakeholders, teachers and caregivers should establish a support system at different levels and play a major role to fulfill the psychosocial needs of orphan children.
Low-and middle-income countries have a high number of orphans, many of whom have unmet mental health needs. Effective mental health interventions are needed; however, it is necessary to understand how mental health symptoms and needs are perceived locally to tailor interventions and refine measurement of intervention effects. We used an existing rapid ethnographic assessment approach to identify mental health problems from the perspective of orphans and guardians to inform a subsequent randomized controlled trial of a Western-developed, evidence-based psychosocial intervention, Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Local Kiswahilispeaking interviewers conducted 73 free list interviews and 34 key informant interviews. Results identified both common cross-cultural experiences and symptoms as well as uniquely described symptoms (e.g., lacking peace, being discriminated against) not typically targeted by the intervention or included on standardized measures of intervention effects. We discuss implications for adapting mental health interventions in low-and middle-income countries and assessing effectiveness.
oircjournals, 2018
Educational achievement is a significant indicator of children’s wellbeing and future life opportunities. It can predict growth potential and economic viability of a country. While this is an ideal situation for all children, the case may be different for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) due to the psychosocial challenges they go through on a daily basis. It is even worse for children attending public primary schools in Kenya. This paper aims to advance a debate on the relationship between psychosocial support and educational support provided for OVC through a critical engagement on the challenges experienced and the intervention measures to be taken in Kenyan public primary schools context. The study is based on the critical review of related literature materials. Findings suggest that, although the Kenyan government has put mechanisms in place to support OVC attain basic education, numerous challenges are found to be hindering some OVC from attaining quality education. Based on the findings, the paper recommends that there is need for various interventions to address psychosocial needs of orphans and children attending primary schools.
Factors Influencing Academic Performance of Primary School’s Orphans in Tanzania
International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in Education, 2020
This study investigates the factor influencing orphan's academic performance in primary schools. In Tanzania the number of orphaned students resulted from different causes such as the death of parents from different accidents, diseases and those with divorced parents is drastic increases. Orphaned students are among the most vulnerable members of society, often lacking basic needs and services related to better education. This study investigated the factors influencing the academic performance of orphans in Arusha City. The study used descriptive research design and it was conducted in Arusha City to primary school orphans from different wards. Data were collected from 100 respondents including DEO, WEC, head teachers, class teachers, other teachers, orphans, guardians, and community through interviews. Findings show that orphanage students were performing poorly and this was contributed by many factors including social-economic factors, home learning environment, sexual violence, inferiority complex, school's absenteeism, lack of a system of helping orphaned students in schools. It was recommended that Schools should find a means to identify orphaned students and their needs and provide necessary support including psychological and also encourage them to learn and provide necessary academic support when appropriate. The orphaned students should participate fully in the learning process, and the MoEVT and other Educational stakeholders should plan and establish regular seminars to teachers on how to help students.
Educating Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya
Childhood Education, 2016
According to UNICEF, 13.3 million children (0-17 years) worldwide have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Nearly 12 million of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa. Together, with other children who have been severely impacted by the AIDS pandemic, these orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) are at higher risk of missing out on schooling, living in households with less food security, and suffering from anxiety and depression. Although the needs of OVC are complex and influenced by numerous variables, the provision of education has the potential to address many aspects of a child's well-being, including food and nutrition, health care, social welfare, and protection. Drawing on data collected using the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Wellbeing Tool in one area of Kenya, the authors of this study describe their findings on the educational well-being of the surveyed children and present recommendations for teachers on how to better support the diverse needs of OVCs.