The effects of HIV/AIDS on the education of orphans and vulnerable children: (a case study of Olympic primary school- Kibera)

Abstract

The situation of Orphans and Vulnerable children as a result of HIV/AIDS has elicited increased concern, at the national, regional and international levels. This study was undertaken in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the Masters Degree in Rural Sociology and Community development at the University of Nairobi. The process of developing this report was undertaken in 2 phases. Proposal Writing and a field visit to Olympic Primary School. Data was collected using three tools designed to capture the objectives of the study. Interviews were conducted in all the eight classes in Olympic primary school using personal interview methods. Simultaneously, questionnaires were distributed to the selected sampled teachers and officers. The analysis of the questionnaires duly completed were done using SPSS a computer package. Data analysis and report writing was carried out in the month of July 2007 and the draft report severally reviewed by my supervisor and is outlined below: • The study focused on primary school children aged 6 to 13. • This report is written with an assumption that that the majority of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children interviewed at Olympic primary school were as a result of AIDs • From the literature review this report charges that the responses and the policies put in place to address the Plight of Orphans do not comprehensively address the concerns of HIV IAIDS orphans. • The report asserts that HIV IAIDS orphans do not access education because they lack basic requirements such as food, books, uniform and parental support. Based on these findings the report makes the following recommendations. 1. Efforts should be made to ensure that the HIVIAIDS orphans access essential services, such as the provision of school requirements, food and health care services. 2. Ensuring that the government policies and legislation are enforced to protect all children including HIV IAIDS orphans. 3. Creation of awareness on the plight of OVC to solicit for community-based responses. 4. Creating a supportive environment for children and families affected by HIV IAIDS