Abstract:
Education is a fundamental and universal basic need for all, especially orphans
and vulnerable children in Tanzania. Education imparts knowledge, skills, and
competencies to individuals. This study assessed educational opportunities and
the support available to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Bagamoyo
District to determine socioeconomic and psychological factors that limit access
to education. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, non-participant
observation and documentary review. The study involved 102 orphans and
vulnerable children aged between 7 and 15 years and 35 adults key informants
aged 25 years and above. The findings showed that OVC had access to free
primary education but had limited access to secondary education. Access to
education among OVC was constrained by limited and unreliable sources of
funds to meet the necessary basic needs and school requirements including
food, learning materials, school uniform, and fees. The findings show further
that, OVC living in extended family experience more challenges compared to
those staying in orphanage homes. OVC in the family and orphanage homes
experience psychological challenges such as depression, loneliness, and stress.
The study recommends that community programmes aimed at assisting
orphans and vulnerable children should be strengthened to enable Orphanage
homes and the extended family in taking care of orphans and vulnerable
children. The relevant ministry (POR-LAG) should facilitate the availability of
educational resources among orphans and vulnerable children to enable them
to realise their educational goals.
