Qualitative research report on orphans and vulnerable children in Palapye, Botswana

Stigma reduces take-up of support services for orphans and vulnerable children in Botswana Edited by: Tsheko, GN
Published by: Human Science Research Council (HSRC), 2007
Via: Eldis

Through a snapshot view drawn from interviews and focus groups in the town of Palapye, this book examines the situation of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Botswana. Part of a wider project to improve support for OVC in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, the research sought the views of OVC, carers of OVC, NGOs and community-based organisations, community leaders and government officials to identify the extent of the problem, key and potential supports for OVC and the quality of life for OVC. Quotes from respondents Illustrate research findings throughout the book.

Issues identified include:

• the traditional extended family system in the town is breaking down and becoming focused around care for the immediate nuclear family
• OVCs and their households are often not accessing government-provided services designed to assist them because of difficulties in registering, reluctance to due to the stigma involved in having orphans, or shame due to their inability to provide for them
• due to the failure to register for support, many children were not attending school
• many OVC lived in poor households with several dependents where shelter was inadequate and overcrowded
• additional barriers to access include a lack of transport, funding and staff in delivering services
• community- and faith-based organisations’ ability to provide services is limited by a lack of funds
• in some poorer households, food provided for orphans and vulnerable children in their care is instead being consumed by other household members, or female carers’ male partners
• many OVC experience physical, economic, sexual and mental abuse from parents, relatives and others
• stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS and a poor understanding of the modes of transmission of the virus continue to be a major problem

Suggestions from respondents included the need for:

• improved information about the services available and community education about caring for OVC
• monitoring of OVC’s situation by the authorities
• support for OVC to gain an education and qualifications
• psycho-social support for OVC, as well as counselling and guidance for both OVC and guardians
• efforts to encourage communities to take over the care of OVC
• government support for NGOs to establish orphanages or community care centres for OVC, especially street children, to ensure that they receive adequate care and are not forced to either accept abuse at home or become street children

(http://www.hsrcpress.ac.za/full_title_info.asp?id=2198)