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1
Chiimba, Cathrine M. "Experiences of young orphans who transition into extended families in Zimbabwe." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/80516.
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This study explores the experiences of young orphans who transition into extended families in Zimbabwe, focusing on the five- to ten-year-old age group. The study embraced a qualitative approach which is situated within the interpretivist paradigm. The choice of the qualitative mode of inquiry was to ensure that the researcher interacted with participants who were remarkably close to young orphans and, henceforth, gather as much reliable and pertinent data as possible. A multiple case study design was employed to investigate five extended family members and their five to ten-year-old young orphans, one social worker and two residential care centre administrators. All five extended families with young orphans lived in the Mutoko, Murewa, Mudzi and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) districts. Data were gathered through interviews, drawings, narratives, and observations. The preference for the research methods were to necessitate a high level of trustworthiness and comprehensive data.
The study established that although the government is mandated to provide services in the transitioning of young orphans into extended families in Zimbabwe, lack of resources inhibit efforts to support these children. Due to lack of funds social workers seldom follow up on young orphans. Although Zimbabwe has well stipulated national, regional and international agreements in its archives on transition, this research study had established that the strained Zimbabwean economy had a negative effect on children who transitioned into extended families. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that extended family members are inadequately prepared and trained to handle young orphans who transition into their families. Furthermore, extended families also face challenges on the scarcity of resources to support young orphans. Young orphans were further challenged by the fact that people stereotyped them because they came from residential care centres. These young orphans also faced several psychological challenges.
The study concluded that both young orphans and extended families are victims of a system that does not have the resources, nor the political and social will to support the transition process. Based on these findings, the recommendations were made for the attention of the government of Zimbabwe, as well as the Department of Social Welfare, who act as executive body in implementing Government’s directives. The study therefore, upholds that extended family members should have relevant skills to enable them to appropriately deal with young orphans. The study further recommends the implementation of policies to take cognisance of the needs of young orphans who transition to extended families are taken on board, as they access appropriate services and resources to mitigate their impediments.<br>Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020.<br>pt2021<br>Early Childhood Education<br>PhD<br>Unrestricted
2
Nyamukapa, Constance. "The psychosocial well-being of orphans in HIV/AIDS-afflicted eastern Zimbabwe." Thesis, Imperial College London, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/8369.
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Almost 21% of Zimbabwe's population of roughly 13 million people live with HIV infection while 1.6 million children (23%) have been orphaned. The epidemic is further worsening children's lives by decreasing access to health services, education, shelter, clothing, vocational training, legal protection, psychosocial support, and care from family members. Understanding the psychosocial effects on children of being orphaned or made vulnerable by the epidemic is vital if further problems in childhood and later life are to be averted. Objectives: 1. To develop a theoretical framework for understanding the relationships between orphan experience, psychosocial distress, and child experiences and adult life chances; 2. To compare and contrast levels of psychosocial distress by form (i.e. paternal only, maternal only and double) and duration of orphanhood in Zimbabwe; 3. To assess the cumulative impact of psychosocial distress experienced in childhood on risky behaviour outcomes in adolescence and adult life experiences; 4. To assess how appropriate and sensitive the methods and tools used in the study were to the children's plight. Methods: Stata version 9.0 was used to conduct statistical analyses of data from three survey sources: the Zimbabwe Oye Baseline Survey 2004, the Manicaland Child Cohort Study, and the Manicaland HIV/SID Prevention Project. Qualitative data were collected and used to aid interpretation of the statistical results. Results: In the national ayC survey (ages 12-17 years), psychosocial distress was more common in females and younger children. Orphans overall and each form of orphan were at greater risk of developing psychosocial distress than non-orphans. In multivariate analyses, being resident in an urban area (Coeff, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.28), on a commercial farm (Coeff, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.08-0.84), in the poorest 20% of households (Coeff, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.04-0.24), in a household that had received external Support (Coeft', 0.21; 95% CI, -0.01-0.44) and not being related to the closest caregiver (Coeff, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03-0.24) were associated with psychosocial distress. Being in a female-headed household (Coeff; -0.11; 95% CI, -0.19- -0.02) and receiving psychosocial support from the closest caregiver (Coeff, -0.05; 95% CI, -0.09- -0.01) had protective effects against psychosocial distress. Maternal and paternal orphans were significantly more likely than non-OYC to have engaged in sexual activity. These differences were reduced after controlling for psychosocial distress. In Manicaland, eastern Zimbabwe, paternal and double orphans were at increased risk of psychosocial distress. Orphans were more likely to have started sex and to have engaged in substance abuse. However, the only (borderline) significant result was increased likelihood of paternal orphans having engaged in substance abuse [p = 0.056]. Conclusion: Orphaned children in Zimbabwe suffer greater psychosocial distress which may lead to increased likelihood of sexual debut and HIV infection. The impact of strategies to provide psychosocial support should be evaluated scientifically.
3
Garutsa, Tendayi C. "The role of non-governmental organisations in addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in Marondera district, Zimbabwe." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/491.
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The diminishing provision of services by the state, coupled with the escalating numbers of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe, represents a crucial concern for Non-Governmental Organisations. The socio-economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe has created a vacuum for social service provision. In this gap, Non-Governmental Organisations have stepped in as alternatives playing a critical and positive role in caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children. Notwithstanding the generally valid critique of the imperialist role of Non-Governmental Organisations as agents of multi-lateral institutions and dominant western governments, the repressive despotism and the consequent socio-economic crisis in Zimbabwe has necessitated that Save the Children play a prominent role in caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children. This study builds upon fieldwork undertaken in the Marondera district in Zimbabwe. This fieldwork was conducted amongst children who have been left orphaned and vulnerable because of various reasons, and investigates the interventions of Save the Children in the lives of these orphans. Ethnographic research, encompassing three kinds of data collection methods, was used. These data collection methods are interviews, observation and documents. This, in turn, produced three kinds of data namely, quotations, descriptions, and excerpts of document on the basis of which narrative descriptions where derived. Interviews were transcribed and later analyzed through content analysis. The findings indicated that, as a consequence of the failure of the state in Zimbabwe, Save the Children has played a primary role in addressing the needs of Orphans and Vulnerable Children despite the idea that non-governmental organisations have expanded and consolidated the neoliberal hegemony, at a global level, in the name of mitigating the social and economic dimensions of Structural Adjustment Programmes (Kothari, 1993). Save the Children’s interventions for orphans and vulnerable children take many forms, including educational assistance, legal protection, HIV/AIDS mitigation programs, psychosocial support and material support. The formal and informal systems also act as safety nets for Orphans and Vulnerable Children. However, these have failed to appropriately assist the Orphans and Vulnerable Children with sustainable initiatives. The vacuum created by the Zimbabwean context has however necessitated the growing importance of the activities of Save the Children in caring for Orphans and Vulnerable Children.
4
Chimange, Mizeck. "Implementation of the Zimbabwe National Orphan Care Policy: implications of partnership between government and civil society." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007188.
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The study focused on the exploration of the implication of partnership between the government and civil society organizations in the implementation of the Zimbabwe National Orphan Care Policy (ZNOCP). The study was carried out in Masvingo District in Zimbabwe to explore on the feasibility of inter-organizational interaction in policy implementation and how it affects the service delivery system. The study incorporated government departments, civil society organizations and ward councillors who stood as the custodians of the people. The study was intended on unveiling the different contextual aspects that exist between government departments and civil-society organizations (CSOs) as individual and separate entities and how the compromising of their values would affect the partnership. Looking at the hierarchical and bureaucratic features of government institutions, the study also intended to understand how this could be concealed and compromised with CSOs‟ open agendas in public policy implementation to ensure effective service delivery to the people. The 5C protocol, critical variables in policy implementation which are policy content, context, capacity, commitment of those entrusted with the implementation process and also clients and coalitions were used as the yardsticks. These variables acted as a yardstick on which to analyze the partnership between the Zimbabwean government and the civil society in the implementation of the Z.N.O.C.P, their different attitudes, bureaucratic settings, organizational culture, values, norms, and how their readjustments or failure affect the service delivery system. It also became imperative to look at the government legislations that govern the CSO space of operation and financial aspects to understand the implications of partnership between government and civil society. An understanding of these aspects leads to an increased understanding of the feasibility of state-CSO partnerships and its implications on policy implementation.
5
Katungu, Wisdom. "The contribution of social entrepreneurship in meeting the needs of orphans in the Mberengwa district, Zimbabwe." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/40370.
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Since the turn of the millennium, Zimbabwe has witnessed a raft of socio-economic and political problems characterised by hyper-inflation; shortage of basic commodities; dwindling fiscal reserves; ballooning domestic and foreign debt; falling standard of living and high levels of migration. The devastating effects of the Aids pandemic have not helped the situation. With estimates indicating that there are more than million orphaned children, social security programmes have been overstretched resulting in the State failing to adequately provide for the needs of these orphans in the country. It is against this background that the study sought to explore the community level initiatives that communities are taking to meet the needs of orphans through community based programmes. The goal of the study was to explore the contribution of social entrepreneurship in meeting the needs of orphans in the Mberengwa district, Zimbabwe.
The study was conducted using a qualitative research approach. The study was exploratory and the type of research was applied. The collective case study design was utilised. A total of twenty participants took part in the study; including six children who were benefiting from the income generating projects, four key informants who work closely with the projects as well as ten villagers who were involved in the day to day running of the projects. The participants were selected from two villages that have the projects benefiting orphans. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected from the children and key informants by way of interviews and from the villagers through focus group discussions.
The findings show that the government of Zimbabwe lacks capacity to meet the needs of orphans due to the socio-economic and political challenges and as a result, communities in Mberengwa district have taken the initiative to care for the orphans in their area through income generating projects. The income generating projects are social entrepreneurial ventures in that they aim at generating profits which are channelled towards meeting the needs of the orphans. Through the income generating projects, the orphans in Mberengwa district are able to access their needs which include food, education, clothing, shelter, birth registration and protection from abuse. Findings also indicated that in the Mberengwa district, orphan care is viewed as a community, rather than individual responsibility. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the communities in Mberengwa have inherent strengths which make it possible for them to work together in achieving common objectives. Consequently, their social ties and close social relations enable them to work together to deal with problems confronting them collectively. vi
projects benefiting orphans. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected from the children and key informants by way of interviews and from the villagers through focus group discussions.
The findings show that the government of Zimbabwe lacks capacity to meet the needs of orphans due to the socio-economic and political challenges and as a result, communities in Mberengwa district have taken the initiative to care for the orphans in their area through income generating projects. The income generating projects are social entrepreneurial ventures in that they aim at generating profits which are channelled towards meeting the needs of the orphans. Through the income generating projects, the orphans in Mberengwa district are able to access their needs which include food, education, clothing, shelter, birth registration and protection from abuse. Findings also indicated that in the Mberengwa district, orphan care is viewed as a community, rather than individual responsibility. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the communities in Mberengwa have inherent strengths which make it possible for them to work together in achieving common objectives. Consequently, their social ties and close social relations enable them to work together to deal with problems confronting them collectively.
It was concluded that income generating projects based on social entrepreneurial principles are a critical poverty alleviation and social protection mechanism for orphans in the Mberengwa communities as they lead to meeting their needs and furthermore, alleviate social problems in the community. In order to respond to the gap created by the government’s lack of capacity to care for the orphans, social entrepreneurship through income generating projects can be utilised to achieve social protection and poverty alleviation goals more so in the country’s quest to meet the Millennium Development Goals.
Recommendations include the need to review the legal and policy framework governing the care and protection of orphans in the country to include community-based programmes. Furthermore, it is recommended to strengthen traditional orphan care structures in facilitating income generating projects based on social entrepreneurial principles as they have the propensity to help meet the needs of orphans at the community level.<br>Dissertation (MSW)--University of Pretoria, 2013.<br>gm2014<br>Social Work and Criminology<br>unrestricted
6
Francis-Chizororo, Monica. "The formation, constitution and social dynamics of orphaned child headed households in rural Zimbabwe in the era of HIV/AIDS pandemic." Thesis, St Andrews, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/454.
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Chikova, Adelaide. "An analysis of the effects of the political environment on the governance of orphans and vulnerable children by non-state actors in Mutare, Zimbabwe." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/75551.
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This study focused on how the political environment affects the governance of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) by non-state actors in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The increase in the number of OVC has led to non-state actors intervening to care and support for OVC because the government is no longer able to do so. Traditionally, extended families worked as the safety net for OVC but due to certain government policies and failures, the burden of caring for the children has increasingly fallen on non-state actors. Governance determines who has power, who makes decisions, how people make their voices heard, and how account is rendered. It aims to promote and strengthen participation by civil society in governing. This research looked at people involved in decision making, who the actors are, and who they report to. A qualitative research design and case study approach was used to provide answers to the research problem which is an investigation of the effects of the political environment on the governance of OVC. Primary data collection was obtained through interviews in organizations in Mutare that assists OVCs. The researcher made use of content analysis to analyse the data that was obtained through interviews. This research found that although the government of Zimbabwe created policies to support the care of the OVC, they have also created an undesirable environment that affects the governance of OVCs. Some of the policies were created to monitor the functioning of non-state actors which resulted in most of the organizations to relocate to neighbouring countries. The outcomes of this study will assist policymakers and childcare programmes to review and design effective intervention policies aimed at helping OVC in Zimbabwe.<br>Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2020.<br>UP postgraduate bursary for Masters and Doctoral students.<br>Political Sciences<br>MA<br>Unrestricted
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Munodawafa, Kudzai Emma Chademana. "Quality of life in a fragile state: a study of orphans and vulnerable children living in child-headed households in Zimbabwe." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/6188.
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Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (School of Public Health)<br>Households headed by children, adolescents and youths are a growing phenomenon across sub-
Saharan Africa. This is largely a result of the increasing mortality of economically active adults,
coupled with migration and urbanisation, which have all weakened traditional kinship systems.
Children and youth living in these households experience myriad challenges arising from the
absence of an adult guardian and economically active household member. Several studies have
shown that children living in these child- and adolescent-headed households experience extreme
poverty and deprivation. Furthermore, Zimbabwe's precarious socio-economic condition could
further exacerbate these children's risks and deprivations. The wellbeing and quality of life of
orphans living in these child-headed households is not well understood as there are very few
studies that provide a holistic perspective on the experiences and quality of life for those in these
households. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of orphans living in childheaded
households in Zimbabwe, and explore the factors that influence their quality of life.
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Nartey, Victor Narteye. "Intervention and assistance to widows and orphans Impacted by HIV/AIDS: focusing on inheritance under the Customary processes, in the interfaith communities of Zimbabwe." DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, 2007. http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/329.
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The purpose of this project was to present a wholistic approach that would serve to empower the widows and orphans in the interfaith communities in City United Methodist Church in Harare, the Uniting Presbyterian Churches of Mabvuko and Mbare, and the African Apostolic Church of Johane Maranke in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, who have been impacted by HIV!AIDS. This project, denominated as “Resurrection Ministry” by the writer, focused on iaheritance as recognized under the customary processes in Zimbabwe, as one of the resources that can be utilized to empower the widows and orphans. Forty (40) women comprised Group A and twenty (20) youths, between the ages of twelve (12) and nineteen (19), represented Group B. Group A participated in a tn-dimensional strategy that consisted of questionnaires, group sessions/workshops and experiential activities. The group sessions/workshops operated on the principles of informed pedagogy whose aim is to convey information to the widows that will assist them in knowing how to acquire and manage the estates of their deceased spouses. Retired judiciaries educated the participants on easy-to-understand versions of the inheritance laws as well as the customary processes concerning beneficiaries of estates. The commonality that presented in these endeavors is how to take advantage of the existing customary and judicial resources that would accord the widows and orphans the opportunities to return and re-assert themselves as beloved and contributing members of the community. The youth group was divided into two groups: one group for girls and the other group for boys. Senior women from the interfaith communities trained adolescent girls in the following areas: responsible management of their individual lives, personal hygiene. child development, independence and continuing/completing educational endeavors. These areas of emphasis provided much needed information to adolescent girls who assume the mothering tasks of their younger siblings. In a similar manner, men of integrity in the various churches were appointed as mentors for the young boys. The men encouraged the boys in the Christian faith in weekly sessions. Each session integrated orthodoxy with orthopraxy. The mentors accompanied and transported the young men to sporting events and visitations to needy persons. These opportunities engendered a role-model system for the youth and foster male-to-male relationships of positivism between the senior men and the young men. The project proceeded from a fundamental hypothesis that surmised that the customary inheritance processes in the Zimbabwean culture can be dynamically employed to empower widows and orphans who have been adversely affected by HIV/AIDS in ways that allow them to experience dignity and worth in the community. All of the above-mentioned activities in the Resurrection Ministry project focused on instilling self-worth. confidence and a sense of’ belonging in the participants. The model of ministry documented in the project worked to provide the support. education, inlbrmation and assistance needed to assist widows and orphans in their navigation of their lives after the death of the principal breadwinners in the family.
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Muronda, Yeukai. "Social security and the national orphan care policy in Zimbabwe: challenges from the child headed household." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/564.
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This study focused on the policy responses formulated by the government of Zimbabwe and their implementation to meet the social needs of the people with special emphasis on the Zimbabwe National Orphan Care Policy (ZNOCP) of 1999. The challenges this policy is facing from the newly evolving structure of the child headed households was the centre of this study. At independence, the government adopted the incremental approach to policy making and extended formal social policy to the previously marginalized black majority. The ZNOCP was introduced in 1999 during the second phase of ESAP. The same period saw the spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. HIV and AIDS led to an increase in the number of orphans some of whom ended up in CHH without adult supervision. The day to day challenges of this group of orphans was investigated in Masvingo rural district. For this study both the qualitative and quantitative methodology paradigms were used. Secondary sources such as journal articles, published books and computer databases helped in complementing the field work. Four sets of questionnaires were administered to four groups of people which were the heads of CHH, extended families, community leadership and government officials. The analysis of this study led to the following conclusions about social policy and the plight of children in CHH. Firstly, that social policy has failed in Zimbabwe due to the incremental approach to policy making which was taken by the government because of its nature of being reformist as opposed to being transformative. Secondly, that the xiii ZNOCP is not being properly implemented therefore it does not have any impact on the lives of children in CHH. These children are struggling for basic social services like food and nutrition, clothing, education health, shelter and birth registration. Thirdly, the extended families and the community have been weakened by HIV and AIDS and impoverished by ESAP such that they cannot take care of their own families, let alone their deceased relatives‟ orphaned children as stipulated by the ZNOCP. Finally, the passive role being taken by the government in the care and protection of the children in CHH is detrimental to their welfare. The comparative case study of the Slangspruit informal settlement in South Africa shows that challenges faced by orphans are common. This study therefore recommends that there is need for the review of the ZNOCP. The new policy should come up with child care strategies which take into cognizance the evolutionary nature of the community. A human rights based approach ought to be the basis of child protection interventions in Zimbabwe. The study recommends that all stakeholders from the government down to the community need to fully participate in their various capacities in child care and protection. Resources in terms of finance and human resources should be made available and channeled to the intended beneficiaries. There is also need for capacity building in the communities and to intensify HIV and AIDS prevention, mitigation, care and treatment interventions to reduce the prevalence of orphans.
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Matshalaga, Neddy Rita. "Social dynamics of orphan care in the era of the HIV/AIDS pandemic An insight of grandmothers' experiences in Zimbabwe." Related electronic resource: Current Research at SU : database of SU dissertations, recent titles available full text, 2002. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/syr/main.
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Madziva, Cathrine. "The impact of international non-govermental organisations on the response of community-based organisations to the HIV/AIDs related orphan and vulnerable children crisis in Zimbabwe : The cse of Batsiranai adn Danish Association for international cooperatio." Thesis, London Metropolitan University, 2011. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.536729.
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Kwenda, Chiwimbiso Mebie. "Reconceptualising the child within the family and the school : an investigation into how Zimbabwean children orphaned by AIDS negotiate their personal identities within a stigmatising society." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8218.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 255-264)<br>This study attempts to answer the question about how AIDS orphaned children in a selected context in Zimbabwe construct their concept of self as members of their changed and recomposing families, and as members of their school and their community. An important point of departure for this study is acknowledging and working with the real presence of deeply embedded social understanding, often caricatured as myths and misconceptions by educated people, about AIDS in these schools and communities, which have the consequence often of stigmatizing the child-orphans. In developing the rationale for this type of research, it is suggested that the main significance of this exercise lies in attempting to re-think the concepts of home and school in the face of HIV/AIDS and how the pandemic impacts on orphaned children in terms of how they construct their concept of 'self' .
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Dzirikure, Manasa. "Towards a management approach for sustainable social development programmes for orphans in southern Africa : application of systems theory." Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/7331.
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The study explored transforming social development project management practice into
delivering sustainable benefits for orphans in Zimbabwe, in particular and more generally, in
southern Africa. The endemic failures to deliver basic services to vulnerable children despite
increased efforts necessitated this enquiry. Applying multiple research methods in
combination, namely, guided story-telling and interviews, document review and media
tracking, and practitioner-experiential-action-research (PEAR), the study confirmed that
orphans in Zimbabwe lived under conditions of extreme deprivation and vulnerability (EDV).
Management of service delivery for orphans was dependent on unpredictable short-term
donor funding, undermined by a hostile ‘adult-world’ and political environment, bad
governance, poverty, and AIDS. Public service delivery and social welfare system in
Zimbabwe had collapsed, marred by corruption. Programmes were not informed by an
accurate understanding of orphans and their desperate carers. Social development intents
were not practiced. The situation was conducive to “corrupting” the otherwise “spiritual” -
responsible, astute and ambitious child. Within such a milieu, traditional project management
designed for ordered situations became inappropriate. Based on new understanding of
orphans and their service delivery milieu derived from research findings, I propose a systems-oriented
project management framework based on “pluralism”, “holism”, “totality” and
“experiential learning”. The framework takes a multi-paradigmatic approach to solving
complex problems of vulnerable children, mixing positivist, interpretive, emancipatory and
postmodern systems ideas. The framework requires a balancing of morality and scientific
empiricism in order to attain sustainable child development. In this regard, the thesis proposes
‘moral capabilities’ and additional project management knowledge suitable to the challenges
of orphans in southern Africa. The systems approach promotes comprehensive delivery of
basic needs of orphans, and continuous improvement of their long term holistic development.
According to the framework, success of projects is measured by accrued benefits from the
perspective of orphans, and not that of service providers. For its application, the framework
adapts the project-spiral cycle, replacing the project life-cycle, recognizing that the needs of
orphans go beyond single short-term project cycles. The spiral cycle builds on the strengths of
conscious-experiential-learning in service delivery, and on dialogue and collective consensus
with poor communities targeted by service delivery management systems.<br>Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.
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Maronganye, Elias. "Experiences of caregivers raising HIV/AIDS orphans in Bulilima district, Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2017. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/26565.
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A Research Report submitted in partial fulfilment of a Master of Arts in Health Sociology by coursework and Research Report.
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities,
University of the Witwatersrand.
2017<br>In Zimbabwe, many studies on the care of HIV/ AIDS orphans mostly focus on how caregivers are selflessly enduring the burdens of raising HIV/AIDS orphans without external support because of the collapse of the traditional system of childcare. Although African children have long been acknowledged as making important contributions in the family livelihoods in rural settings, current studies tend to tone down orphans’ agency and underline their dependency and care-seeking positions thus presenting orphans as burdens and caregivers as the bearers of the burden. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of caregivers raising HIV/AIDS orphans within extended families in the rural area of Bulilima District, Matabeleland South province, Zimbabwe. The study argues that within the financial challenges and burdens of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, families in rural Zimbabwe are developing adaptive means to care for HIV/AIDS orphans. The study followed a qualitative approach by interviewing 15 caregivers using a semi-structured interview guide. The caregivers were selected using purposive sampling and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings that emerged suggest the extended family orphan care support system is not breaking up, but rather actively ameliorating the structural challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, harsh economic conditions, and persistent droughts. The capacity to care and caregivers’ experiences should be viewed as a continuum because the family capacity to care is subject to change at any given time and place. The economic status of the family where the caregiver lives and economic status of the caregivers themselves influence experiences of the primary caregiver raising the HIV/AIDS orphans. Further, the study noted rural orphans with age become active household members who contribute significantly to the subsistence way of life in rural Zimbabwe.<br>E.R. 2019
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Mafumbate, Racheal. "The involvement of extended families in the wellness of orphans in a primary school in Masvingo city in Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10282.
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D.Phil. (Career and Life Orientation)<br>The study focuses on how extended families are involved on the wellness of orphans at a primary school in Masvingo City in Zimbabwe. Through an ethnographic research design, the study aimed to establish the involvement of extended families and challenges they face in rendering support and care to orphans. This study draws an intensive ethnographic research interrogative approach through observations, interviews, researcher made test and document analysis in order to establish the challenges by orphans and extended families and how these challenges may impact on orphans wellness. By using an integrative lens the researcher was mainly trying to get a better perspective of looking at the four wellness dimensions of orphans in a much broader way. An integrative framework lens namely Ubuntu, Bronfenbrenner’s bio- ecological systems theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs were mainly used to try and get a broader/better perspective of how extended families are involved in caring for orphans. Five orphans, five extended family heads, one school guidance and counselling teacher, one Social Welfare officer and one Non-governmental officer where purposively selected. The main data gathering instruments were; two researcher-made Mathematics tests, a teacher made test, a questionnaire with open-ended questions, observations and interviews. Interviews with the school guidance and counselling teacher were also conducted to establish learners’ performance, class attendance as well as homework assistance rendered to learners by their parents or guardians. An analysis of attendance trends of learners using class teachers’ registers was done. Mathematics Test were also analysed to establish the intellectual wellness of orphans. Data was analysed manually through hand coding and categorizing of ideas, which eventually formed themes to this study. The findings revealed that extended families are encountering a lot of difficulties during their involvement in caring for orphans. Difficulties included provision of physical needs, accommodation, and assistance with academic work. Moreover, the caregivers were in their seventies and too old to provide quality care. Voices of extended family heads, wished that projects like Isheanopa (The Lord provides) initiated by one school to support orphans, be extended to other schools within the city in order to alleviate the burden experienced by extended family heads.
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Ringson, John. "Community-based coping strategies for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2017. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/26290.
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A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy<br>This thesis was strongly motivated by the desire to examine the sustainability of community-based coping strategies for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in the rural communities of Zimbabwe with specific reference to the Gutu District. It utilises Basic Human Needs theory and the Ubuntu philosophy as theoretical foundations in discussing OVC strategies in the Gutu District. Despite the adoption of both contemporary and traditional strategies to cope with orphans and vulnerable children, the post 2000 era witnessed the unprecedented rise of OVC crisis because of the socio-economic and political challenges that affected the country. A possible explanation of why the OVC phenomenon continues to increase lies in the fact that contemporary and traditional coping strategies are being pursued in parallel and not in a manner that seeks to leverage synergies. The study examines the practicability of integrating contemporary and traditional strategies for the sustainable livelihood of OVC care and support with a focus on the feasibility of the integration, interdependence and hybridization of these two approaches.
The research draws on cultural hermeneutics to diplomatically mediate the rival philosophies, cultures, structures, ideas and strategies for sustainable development within the context of an open system development paradigm. Focus group discussions, historical narratives, semi-structured and in-depth interviews were utilised within a qualitative case study design to gain in-depth understanding of the practicability of the integration of contemporary and traditional OVC coping strategies in Zimbabwe.
Overwhelmingly, the study established that there is discord, fragmentation and disharmony between contemporary and traditional OVC coping strategies that result in the failure to achieve sustainability for the OVC care and support environment in Zimbabwe. Ultimately, the study concluded that, although, there are cultural and philosophical differences between contemporary and traditional coping strategies, the two can be reconciled based on common objectives and ideas. The increasing influences of globalization and modernity also narrow the gap
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between traditional and contemporary coping strategies. It is therefore viable to establish an integrated model for OVC care and support. In practice, this would mean, for example, the institutionalization of the traditional OVC approaches such as extended family and the Zunde ramambo (king’s granary) alongside contemporary strategies such as support from NGOs, FBOs and government. In such an instance, the support from NGOs, FBOs, and government is rendered more effective and is better entrenched when it is channelled through the traditional structures on the ground.
This thesis constructed the hybridised model known as the Coping Strategies Integrated Model (CSIM) by integrating the compatible relevant elements entrenched in traditionalism, medievalism and modernism as a sustainable mechanism for dealing with the perennial problem of OVC in Zimbabwe<br>GR2019
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Marengu, S. "The challenges experienced by adoptive parents in the adoption of orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe : a social work perspective." Diss., 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/26619.
Full textAbstract:
Given the general challenges associated with finding alternative care for an increasing
number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in Zimbabwe, adoption appears to be
an appropriate option. In practice adoption appears is one of the alternative forms of child
care and ye it t has not received the necessary research attention. This study was aimed
at developing an in-depth understanding of the challenges experienced by adoptive
parents in the adoption of OVCs in Zimbabwe and the support system available for them
in managing such challenges using the ecological systems theory.
A qualitative research approach which was designed from exploratory, descriptive and
contextual research designs to understand the challenges experienced by adoptive
parents in the adoption of OVCs in Zimbabwe was adopted, with purposive and snowball
sampling techniques used to identify and recruit a sample of eight parents who have
undergone the process of adoption. Data was collected by means of semi-structured
interviews guided by an interview guide and analysed according to Braun and Clarke’s
six steps of qualitative data analysis. Trustworthiness of this study was evaluated
according to its credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability as proposed by Guba and Lincoln while relevant ethical principles were upheld throughout the entire
duration of the study. The findings revealed a variety of socio-demographic features of
adoptive parents as well as several challenges and experiences which are presented in
a form of 10 themes and 13 subthemes in this report. Conclusions are drawn based on
the research process and the research findings from which the recommendations are
proposed for research, practice and training and education.<br>Social Work<br>M. A. (Social Work)
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Makoni, Petty. "Factors that impact on learning in orphanhood in Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/22255.
Full textAbstract:
Factors that Impact on Learning in Orphanhood in Zimbabwe
The aim of the study was to provide scientific knowledge on the factors impacting on the learning profile of orphans as compared to those who are not orphaned, and to identify the relationships between these factors and learning outcomes. This is a quantitative study and the Evaluation-Process and Outcome design was used. Structured quantitative data collection methods, questionnaires, interviews, observation and document analysis were used in this study. Maslow’s humanistic motivation theory of learning is the theoretical framework. The population included form four students and teachers from the Harare Metropole Province in Zimbabwe. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to sample schools, and the simple random procedure was used to sample both students and teachers. The experimental design was used to allow comparisons among orphans and between orphans and non-orphans. Ethical principles including consent, confidentiality and privacy were adhered to. Measures to uphold the quality of the study were applied. In the study it was found that in the peri-urban area, students who had been orphaned for one year or less performed poorly compared to other orphans and to non-orphaned students in their average examination marks, (p<. 023). Lack of books was significantly different amongst the non-orphaned and orphans (p<. 003), mostly affecting those orphaned for one year or less. There was a significant difference in the performance of orphans whose mothers had died and those whose mothers were alive, according to their average coursework marks (p<. 001) and average examination marks (p<. 005). The performance of single orphans, double orphans and non- orphans did not differ significantly, but the post hoc analysis revealed that in most subjects double orphans performed worse than single orphans and non-orphaned students. In the HIV/AIDS/Reproductive health and life-skills teaching-learning sessions observed, the majority of teachers, 12, (66.7%) (n =18) did not agree that relevant assignments were being given and 16 (88.9%) (n =18) did not agree that reading references were available. The majority of students (55.2% n = 509) had inadequate information on HIV and AIDS prevention, and those orphaned for one year or less (62% n = 29) and those orphaned for two to three years (62.5% n = 48) had even less information on HIV and AIDS prevention than the other groups. There was a difference in what the students perceived as life skills and what the teachers reported as life skills. It is recommended that this study be replicated on a larger scale and that factors that impact on learning be studied in national school settings in order to determine orphans’ and non-orphans’ learning outcomes.<br>Health Studies<br>D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)
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Manyika, Lin Mary. "Introducing cash transfers as a form of social protection for orphans and (other) vulnerable children in Zimbabwe :lessons from other African countries." Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/3705.
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Zimbabwe made commitments- global, regional and national- towards the fulfilment of the right to social protection for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) by ratifying international conventions and other regional instruments. Whilst such commitments are commendable, Zimbabwe has faced challenges in translating such commitments into actual deliverables. Currently, child protection mechanisms for OVC in Zimbabwe include, amongst others, Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), through which tuition fees, levy and examination fees assistance is provided to vulnerable children. The other social protection mechanisms are the food aid programme, public works programmes and the National Strategy on Children in Difficult Circumstances. An evaluation of the current social protection mechanisms for OVC in Zimbabwe, among other things, reported inadequate intervention of the current mechanisms so as to adequately provide for OVC. This may call for new innovative social protection mechanisms, like cash transfers, to replace some of the current mechanisms so as to adequately provide for OVC. Social cash transfers are receiving increasing recognition as a means of dealing with the of OVC problem worldwide, and more recently in Africa. There are a number of African countries that have introduced social cash transfers for children within their jurisdictions. Notable examples are South Africa, Zambia and Malawi. Social cash transfers have a positive impact on the education, health and nutrition of OVC. Social cash transfers do not involve large sums of money, thus they may be a desirable option for the social protection of OVC and their households in low income countries like Zimbabwe.<br>Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.
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Bande, Evidence. "An exploration of the psychosocial needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV and AIDS in Gokomere, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18792.
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The study explored the psychosocial needs of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) affected by HIV and AIDS in Gokomere, a rural area of Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. The participants of the study included OVCs, caregivers and members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and faith-based organisations (FBOs). The data was gathered using semi-structured in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion. The audio-taped data was transcribed, coded and interpreted to generate themes, categories and sub-categories. The main psychosocial needs of OVCs affected by HIV and AIDS were found to be the need for relationships, succession planning, social protection and emotional and spiritual support. Kinship care emerged to be the most important form of care for OVCs while home-based care and child-headed households emerged as new forms of care for OVCs. This study recommends that coordinated efforts by the government, NGOs/FBOs/CBO and the community at large is needed to address the challenges facing OVCs affected by HIV and AIDS.<br>Health Studies<br>M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)
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Ngwenya, Mandla. "An investigation into challenges faced by community-based interventions for orphans and vulnerable children in Mutare, Zimbabwe." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/19217.
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This research was designed to explore the challenges faced by community-based interventions for orphans and vulnerable children in Mutare, Zimbabwe. This study employed qualitative case study method which focused on the two community-based organisations, FACT and Simukai. Cross-case data analysis relating to research questions was done using transcriptions organised by themes and sub-themes from focus group discussions with volunteers, in-depth interviews with caregivers and staff from both CBOs. Findings show that communities are committed to the care and support of OVCs by offering their voluntary services. Despite volunteer/caregivers’ commitment to care and support OVCs, some challenges noted by caregivers were: caregiver fatigue, lack of material resources for OVCs during visits and lack of interest in young people taking up voluntary work. Simukai and FACT interventions were found to be mainly education, psychosocial support, medical assistance, project management, capacity building and financing of self help projects for OVCs and their families.<br>Sociology<br>M. A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)
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Filippa, Olga Maddalena. "Zimbabwean adolescents’ experience of their parents’ absence due to Diaspora." Diss., 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/4656.
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As a result of the Zimbabwean socio-economic and political crisis many have joined the Diaspora leaving their children behind in the care of others. Qualitative research in the form of in-depth semi-structured interviews carried out with seventeen adolescent Zimbabwean Diaspora orphans evidenced a number of emerging themes that illuminate how these adolescents view their situation, such as symptomology of depression, feelings of abandonment and rejection, conflicting feelings, lack of social support, the importance of communication, role changes and additions, materialism, challenges presented by relationships with caregivers, and vulnerability to sexual abuse and molestation. Most of the themes do not appear to be country specific but are shared by adolescent Diaspora orphans world-wide. Defence and coping mechanisms employed by these adolescents to cope with parental absence were also identified. Recommendations aimed at optimising their integration in society and suggestions for further research in this field conclude this study.<br>Psychology<br>M.A. (Psychology)
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Phuthi, Kesiwe. "Investigating the psycho-social needs of orphaned adolescent learners in the context of HIV and AIDS : a case study of a high school in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/14331.
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Orphans from child care institutions and from extended families attend the same schools as non-orphans. They are often given the same psycho-social support yet it is clear that they have different psycho-social needs. Their backgrounds are usually different from those of other adolescent learners because, often, they would have observed or nursed sick parents who eventually died from AIDS-related illnesses. This qualitative study aimed at investigating the psycho-social needs of orphaned adolescent learners in child care institutions and those in extended families in the context of HIV and AIDS. The study further sought to find out how the psycho-social needs affected the HIV- and AIDS-affected orphans’ school performance and social behaviour. In-depth interviews were conducted with four orphaned learners from child care institutions and four from extended families using open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings of the study were that the psycho-social needs of AIDS-affected orphans in families were met by relatives more than those of AIDS-affected orphans in child care institutions. The results of the study also revealed that there was not much difference in school performance between HIV- and AIDS-affected orphans from extended families and those from child care institutions. Thus this study contributes to Sociological and Behavioural literature in the area of HIV and AIDS as well as the education literature of the vulnerable groups like orphans. The school offered psycho-social support en masse with no special programme for orphans affected by HIV and AIDS for fear of stigmatising the orphans.<br>Health Studies<br>M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)
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Germann, Stefan Erich. "An exploratory study of quality of life and coping strategies of orphans living in child-headed households in the high HIV/AIDS prevalent city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/2395.
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A distressing consequence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and of the increasing numbers of orphans and decreasing numbers of caregivers is the emergence in ever larger numbers of child-headed households (CHHs). The complexity of issues affecting CHHs and the lack of research on this subject means that CHHs are not well understood. This sometimes prompts support agencies to provide emotionally driven recommendations suggesting that it is better for a child to be in an orphanage than to live in a CHH. This exploratory study, involving heads of 105 CHHs over a 12 month period and 142 participants in various focus group discussions (FGD) and interviews, suggests the need for a change in perspective. It addresses the question of CHH quality of life, coping strategies and household functioning and attempts to bring this into a productive dialogue with community child care activities, NGO and statutory support and child care and protection policies.
Research data suggests that the key determining factor contributing towards the creation of a CHH is `pre-parental illness' family conflict. Another contributing factor is that siblings want to stay together after parental death. Quality of life assessments indicate that despite significant adversities, over 69% of CHHs reported a 'medium' to 'satisfactory' quality of life and demonstrate high levels of resilience. As regards vulnerability to abuse, it is found that while CHH members are more vulnerable to external abuse, they experience little within their household. Contrary to public perceptions about CHHs lacking moral values, CHH behaviour might actually be more responsible than non-CHH peer behaviour as their negative experiences appear to galvanize them into adopting responsible behaviour. Community care and neighbourhood support in older townships are better established compared with newer suburbs. Sufficient community care capacity enables CHHs to function, thus avoiding a situation where households disintegrate and household members end up as street children. CHH coping responses seem to be mainly influenced by individual and community factors, and by social, spiritual and material support. The interplay between these and the CHH's ability to engage in the required coping task impacts on the coping outcome at household level.
National and international government and non-governmental child service providers in Southern Africa need to recognize that an adequately supported CHH is an acceptable alternative care arrangement for certain children in communities with high adult AIDS mortality and where adult HIV-prevalence exceeds 10%.<br>Development Studies<br>D. Ltt. et Phil. (Development Studies)
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Kapesa, Mary Joyce. "Understanding resilience and coping in child-headed households in Mutasa District, Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/20007.
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Text in English<br>Zimbabwe had 50 000 child-headed households (CHH) in 2002 and by 2010, the figure had gone up to more than 100 000, making Zimbabwe the African country with the highest number of CHH (UNICEF & UNAIDS 2010). These statistics gave rise to the sprouting of many organisations and programmes aimed at catering for the needs of the affected children. Not much attention is given to what the CHH can do for themselves and how they have be surviving without outside help. The present study explored the resilience factors and coping strategies used by children living in CHH in the Mutasa District, Zimbabwe. The mixed method concurrent triangulation design was used in the study and a constructionist theoretical framework was adopted. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from 28 children in CHH, 46 community members, 24 teachers, 25 child service professionals, 10 advisory panel members, 3 government officials involved in policy formulation and implementation and 5 members of the CHH’s extended family. The Resilience Scale was administered to the CHH and the Tree of Life and problem solving activities were carried out with the children. Resilience scores obtained from the children in CHH were in the high to very high category of resilience. The qualitative data was thematically analysed. The research findings indicate that children in CHH use problem focused coping strategies. Their resilience is anchored in both individual and environmental factors. A Bidirectional Model of Resilience that is based on the findings emerged from the study.Three pathways to resilience that are embedded in this model were identified, furthermore the Self-Efficacy Strengths-Focused Model of Coping was proposed. Intervention strategies to foster resilience in CHH should focus on creating coping enabling environments and strengthening individual characteristics.<br>Psychology<br>Ph.D. (Psychology)
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Ganga, Emily. "The effects of double-orphanhood on the learning and cognition of children living within child-headed households in Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/11834.
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Among the many undesirable phenomenon within developing countries is „orphanhood‟ that seems to be precipitated by the escalating parental deaths mostly rooted in the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS and poverty. The phenomenological descriptive case study investigated the effects of double orphanhood on the cognition and learning of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) living within child-headed households (CHHs) in Chipinge District of Manicaland, Zimbabwe. The qualitative enquiry is tethered on a multi-dimensional concept of constructivism.
The triangulated data were collected through participant observations, open-ended questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions held at four secondary schools. The purposefully selected participants comprised 20 double orphans and vulnerable children, four headmasters, eight teachers, one Education Officer and one Social Welfare officer, making a total sample of 34.
The study employed the Tesch‟s qualitative model of data analysis that led the findings into five major themes, each differentiating into sub-categories. The findings revealed that though most OVC try to remain resilient within their orphanhood predicament, they continue to suffer loneliness, inferiority complex, stresses, anxieties, low self-esteem, lack of concentration in class and more negativity that militates against effective assimilation and accommodation of learning materials within their ecological environment. The situation affected both sexes and was exacerbated by poverty, need deprivation and overwhelming household and parenting responsibilities. As such, most of the children‟s voiced responses expressed great despondence over their predicament. Other older OVC were contemplating dropping out of school in order to work, earn and look after their siblings. Even though some OVC reported occasional receipt of aid through donors and the government‟s facilities such as the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), not all OVC were lucky to remain beneficiaries up to the end of their secondary schooling.
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Orphanhood was found to be a psychological deterrent to cognition and learning. Therefore, the local community, education administrators, policy makers, children‟s rights advocates together with the children‟s representatives should map out life-lines ideal for enhancing the cognitive learning of double OVC residing in CHHs.<br>Psychology of Education<br>D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)
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Filippa, Olga Maddalena. "Exploring resilience in the narratives of Zimbabwean adolescents affected by parental out-migration and the diaspora." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/20682.
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Text in English<br>Zimbabwe‘s economic and political instability has resulted in the migration of over four million of its people. Many of those who join the Diaspora leave their children behind in the home country, a phenomenon known as ―Diaspora orphans‖. Little is known of the experiences of these Zimbabwean adolescents affected by parental out-migration. A Pilot Study in 2011 highlighted emergent themes and explored the use of defence and coping mechanisms, by thematically analysing in-depth interviews carried out with these youngsters. This study re-examined these interviews and carried out follow-up ones, with a view to establish whether longitudinal changes take place. Resilience levels of participants were also measured, using the Child and Youth Resilience Measure ‒ 28, in individual, relational and contextual areas, to establish whether high resilience results in better coping and adjustment to parental absence. Findings confirm this and evidence that multiple stressors result in lower resilience levels and seem to indicate that a reciprocal relationship exists between resilience levels and optimal coping. Recommendations on how best to help these youngsters to cope with their altered circumstances, with special emphasis on the role of educational establishments, and suggestions for further research in this field conclude this study.<br>Psychology<br>D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)
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Mudavanhu, Doreen. "The psychosocial impact on rural grandmothers caring for their grandchildren orphaned by HIV/AIDS." Diss., 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/705.
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This exploratory study investigated the psychosocial impact on rural grandmothers of Gutu, Zimbabwe, caring for their grandchildren orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The participants included 12 paternal and maternal grandmother-caregivers from four districts of Gutu, whose ages ranged from 56 to 76 years with orphans in their care ranging from infants to 18 years. The present study made use of Erikson's psychosocial theory of development on late adulthood. Data were gathered using semi-structured open-ended interviews in the participants' homes. Interpretive analysis was used to analyse the audio-taped data. Findings reveal that most grandmothers are experiencing a personal toll in dealing with the late adult crisis of integrity versus despair, including finding it difficult to resolve the grief of losing children while engaging in full time grandparenting in a stigmatising society. Participants reported a need for support and interventions tailored to their unique needs. Counselling, social support, financial assistance, and skills and knowledge about HIV/AIDS are therefore recommended.<br>Psychology<br>M.Sc. (Psychology)
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Dekeza, Clyton. "The responsiveness of rural primary schools to the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe." Thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/25059.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the responsiveness of rural primary schools in Zimbabwe to the needs of in-school OVC.
The study adopted a qualitative approach in which the phenomenological and case study designs were employed to study in-school OVC in their natural setting. The target population for the study comprises OVCs, principals and school counsellors. From this population, a sample of 24 participants was purposively drawn. Data was collected from the participants in the three sampled rural primary schools in Masvingo district through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, document analysis and observation. Tesch’s model was applied to analyse data qualitatively.
The study revealed that rural primary schools’ capacity to address the needs of in-school OVC was deemed ineffective by all the participants due to a myriad of factors which include inter-alia: lack of specialist school-counsellors; lack of funds to initiate school-based projects aimed to assist OVC; lack of a comprehensive school-feeding scheme; and a dearth of workshops to equip principals and teachers with knowledge to handle and deal with OVC. To improve the responsiveness of schools to the needs of OVC the study recommends that the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education should train specialist counsellors in teachers’ colleges. The study also recommends that the government should increase funds allocated for the Basic Education Assisted Module scheme to cater for more OVC. In addition, the study recommends that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should conduct workshops in schools on how to deal with challenges confronting OVC. Lastly a model to improve rural primary schools’ capacity to address the needs of OVC was suggested, which proposes partnerships among stakeholders in projects aimed at supporting in-school OVC.<br>Educational Studies<br>D. Ed. (Socio-Education)