Influence Of Charitable Children Institutions’ Programmes On Exit Preparedness Of Orphans And Vulnerable Children In Kapseret Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Successful transition to independent life for Orphans and Vulnerable children is anchored on quality and effective charitable children institutions programmes in place during the period of care for the OVCs. Every child has the right to a fair chance in life. Around the world, millions of children are trapped in an intergenerational cycle of disadvantage that endangers their futures – and the future of their societies. Children and young people raised in institutional care and residential care centers are emotionally disturbed; they are frequently physically abused, are prone to violent behaviour and may have been involved in crimes. They often fare poorly in school, shout or physically fight to handle social conflicts and are very likely to engage in risky behaviours. In addition, they struggle to make successful transitions to the community. The need for adequate preparation and life skills hence become critical if this narrative is to change. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of Charitable Children institutions’ programmes on exit preparedness of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Kapseret sub county, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: To assess the influence of life skills competencies on exit preparedness of Orphans and Vulnerable children in Kapseret Sub county in Uasin Gishu County; to determine the influence of education and vocational training on exit preparedness of Orphans and Vulnerable children in Kapseret Sub county in Uasin Gishu County; to examine the influence of mentorship programmes on exit preparedness of Orphans and Vulnerable children in Kapseret Sub county in Uasin Gishu County; and to establish the influence of combined Charitable children institutions programmes on exit preparedness of Orphans and Vulnerable children in Kapseret Sub county in Uasin Gishu County. The study adopted a descriptive cross sectional survey research design in its approach. A sample size of 248 respondents derived from a population of 690 respondents including Orphans and Vulnerable Children, CCI Management, Children Officers among others in Uasin Gishu County was involved in the study. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires for Orphans and Vulnerable Children and Key Informant Interviews for Charitable Children Institutions management and children officers. A pilot study was carried out in Turbo Sub County to test for validity and reliability of the instruments. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) tool and presented in tables. The study presents that practical skills including planning, budgeting, cooking and self-wellness are a critical requirement for preparation of OVC for exit after care. The findings show that Charitable children institutions programmes play a significant role in helping OVC to acquire self-esteem, build confidence as well as learn how to express themselves, reinforcing on their important role in preparation of OVC for life after care. At 5% level of significance and 95% level of confidence, Education and Vocational training, Life skills competencies, and combined charitable children institutions programmes are significant programmes in facilitating preparation of a smooth exit process for orphans and vulnerable children. The study however recommends the need for a structured reintegration programme with clear exit plans at the point admission of children in to the CCI, to enable OVC grow up in a family and around their community. This should be reinforced by existing government policies on preparation of children for life after care.