Dynamics of households caring for orphans in Lwamata sub-county, Kiboga District

Abstract

The study explored the dynamics of households caring for orphans in lwamata Sub County, Kiboga District. Data was collected from Kassejere and Lwamata parish because these areas are known to be highly populated with high numbers of orphans. The study aimed at establishing the needs of orphans, how these needs are provided for, the challenges faced when providing for these needs and the caretakers coping mechanisms. The study used a cross sectional research design on a sample of 72 household heads, 72 orphans and nine resource persons that were selected using both simple random sampling and purposive sampling were interviewed. Data collection methods were both qualitative and quantitative. And data was collected using interviews, where both closed and open ended questions were asked, observations and review of documents. Data was analyzed using both content analysis and SPSS and a narrative constructed around it. The results collected revealed that all the homes visited had at least one orphan. Of the caretakers interviewed, 38% were males and 62% were females. 79% of them were employed in the informal sector and 21% in the formal sector. Of these care takers, 19% were single, 40% married, 40% widowed and 1% did know their status. Of the orphans interviewed, 33% were boys and 57% were girls below 18 years. Among the needs of orphans were food, shelter, education, health and love and care. The households faced challenges such as, poor health services, long distances to health centers, luck of scholastic materials, poor housing and sleeping conditions, luck of proper love and care, grabbing of orphan property, and institutional limitations. These challenges were addressed through mechanisms such as use of local herbs for treatment, digging for money, sharing of beddings, getting loans and selling off property like land.