An assessment of the role of Aphia II central on retention of orphaned and vulnerable children in secondary schools in the larger Nyeri District

Abstract

The research study was set to assess the role which APHIA II plays in helping retain orphaned and vulnerable children in secondary school in the larger Nyeri District. Literature related to orphaned aad vulnerable children, education, donor funding and retention in school was reviewed to try and capture what others have said about the retention of students in school. The objectives of the study were to establish to what extent payment of school fees by APHIA II Central influences the retention of orphans in secondary school. to establish to what extent provision of counseling influences the retention of orphans in secondary school. to establish to what extent the provision of food influences the retention of orphans in secondary school and to establish to what extent provision of medical care helps in the retention of orphans in secondary school.

The study employed a mixed mode approach. It combined both quantitative and qualitative paradigms. The data collection method used was a descriptive survey; data was collected by means of a questionnaire from ninety respondents among them eighty orphaned and vulnerable children and ten representatives from the implementing partners. Data was collected from secondary and primary sources. Primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires, while secondary data was collected through the critical analysis of documents and existing records. Data was analyzed using SPSS computer package using descriptive statistics then presented in tables of frequencies and percentages.

Descriptive statistics were used to draw a regression line between the dependant and the independent variables. Chapter four dealt with analysis, presentation and interpretation of data obtained in the study. TIle analysis was based on the variables of the study which included payment of school fees, provision of counseling, provision of food and provision of medical care. Chapter five presented a summary of the major findings, discussions, conclusions and recommendations for possible actions. It has been shown in the findings that only 15% of the orphaned and vulnerable children would be in school without the support of APHIA II Central. Psychosocial support was rated as the best type of support that the orphans receive from APHAI II Central to see them through school.