Psychosocial support for orphans and vulnerable children in a community-based organization in Kericho, Kenya
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-04-2018-0008 |
| Published date | 28 November 2019 |
| Pages | 292-302 |
| Date | 28 November 2019 |
| Author | Emily Chepngetich Sitienei,Jace Pillay |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Children's services,Sociology,Sociology of the family,Children/youth,Parents,Education,Early childhood education,Home culture,Social/physical development |
Psychosocial support for orphans and
vulnerable children in a community-based
organization in Kericho, Kenya
Emily Chepngetich Sitienei and Jace Pillay
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) on the
kind of psychosocial support they receive in a community-based organization (CBO) in Kenya.
Design/methodology/approach –This is a mixed approach study that utilized a qualitative approach
through individual interviews and quantitative approach through the use of unstructured and structured
questionnaire for data collection. This mixed approach was selected since rich information could be
obtained from individu al interviews and was vali dated through quantita tive data. Qualitati ve data were
collected through individual interviews for OVC, social workers and child counseling psychologist. The
items used in the individual interview guide were generated based on three areas of research interests,
namely, psychological, educational and social interventions. The individual interview questions focused on
what was currently being offered to OVC, their views about such services, the challenges they might be
facing and suggestions for improvement. The unstructured questionnaire was designed in an open-ended
manner to allow the respon dents to express their vi ews freely on the kind of psyc hosocial support they
were receiving within the CBO. The unstructured questionnaire was divided into thematic areas, namely,
psychological support, social support and educational support. The structured questionnaire was used to
collect data on psychosocial support that children receive within the CBO. The items were in form of a
“YES/NO”format since the children could be able to understand them so easily and respond accordingly.
Both methods of data colle ction were selected to allow triangu lation of data and improve the credi bility and
generalizability of d ata.
Findings –The findings of this study r evealed that the psychos ocial support for the OVC was ta ken
care of within the CBO. The OVC get psychological support through the counseling and
peer-group support, w hile educational inter vention was done throug h the provision of school uniforms
and educational materials. But there is a need to encourage the families to engage in income
generating activities so as to help them become independent instead of overburdening the CBO which is
already straining in terms of resources. The OVC also get health care support as well as shelter
and accommodation.
Research limitations/implications –The study had few limitations just like any other study. One of the
limitations was the few numbers of participants who took part in the study. A larger sample could have
provided more information that can easily be generalized to other OVC within any given organization. But
despite this limitation, the information obtained was useful in shedding light on the kind of psychosocial
support that the OVC is receiving within the CBO.
Practical implications –Resources are required for an extensive research to establish the effectiveness of
such services on improving the lives of OVC within the society rather than the superficial way of care without
considering their psychosocial well-being. This study recommends that more support is required from the
governments, the donors and other international bodies to support the escalating numbers of OVC within
the society.
Social implications –Since the numbers of OVC are esc alating globally, the fi ndings of this study
could add value to the impor tance of psychosocial sup port that the OVC receive within the CBO. It also
gives directions for policy and program development that targets OVC in Kenya and in other parts of
the world.
Originality/value –This is a research paper whereby the data were collected from the OVC and analyzed to
generate first-hand information.
Keywords Children, Social, Kenya, Vulnerable, Psychological, Orphans
Paper type Research paper
Received 25 April 2018
Revised 26 February 2019
5 June 2019
Accepted 18 July 2019
Emily Chepngetich Sitienei is
based at the Department of
Educational Psychology,
University of Johannesburg,
Johannesburg, South Africa.
Jace Pillay is based at the
University of Johannesburg,
Johannesburg, South Africa.
PAGE292
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JOURNAL OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES
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VOL. 14 NO. 4 2019, pp. 292-302, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1746-6660 DOI 10.1108/JCS-04-2018-0008
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