Factors affecting the transition of orphans and vulnerable children from primary to secondary school: views and perspectives of teachers and orphans in Rachuonyo District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence transition from primary to secondary school among orphans and vulnerable children in Rachuonyo District of Nyanza. The study examines background information on the status of orphanhood and the factors that cause and influence orphanhood.

The study then examined literature related to documents dealing with issues that directly affect the education progress of the orphan and vulnerable child: school related factors, family and social economics, psychological implications and their interventions formed the basis of this literature review. The theoretical framework is identified with regard to social theories of symbolic interaction and the attachment theory. These are found to be relevant to this study.

The study adopted descriptive study design and collected data from two sets of respondents namely primary school head teachers and the orphaned children. A structured questionnaire, personal interviews and focus groups were used to solicit data from the respondents. The data collected from the field was coded and presented in graphic and tabular form. Further, description was also based on different perspectives of contributing factors on transition from primary to secondary school. The presentation of findings is done based on each of the objectives of the study.

The study finds that the transition of pupils from primary to secondary school in Rachuonyo district is influenced by lack of intervention mechanisms for O'V'C; poverty; HIV / AIDS; poor social mediation among other findings. The study recommends interventions at school level and at community level.