Browsing by Author "Christopher, Theophil"

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    Psychosocial Challenges Facing Orphans:
    (Kampala International University, 2022-04) Christopher, Theophil
    The study investigated psycho social challenges facing orphaned children residing in institutions in Ubungo Municipality, Dar es Salaam region. The study was guided by the following three specific objectives: to determine psycho-social services provided to the orphaned children; to identify psycho social challenges facing orphaned children; and to explore challenges facing caregivers to the orphaned children. Qualitative research approach was employed. Data were collected using unstructured personal interviews and observation methods. Thematic method was used to analyze data. Findings from the study revealed that orphaned children were supported with various psycho social services that included food, clothes, accommodation, health services, spiritual support, educational support, life skills, sports and games. It was found further that the orphans were faced with various social challenges including shortage of health facilities, shortage of sports gears, lack of recreational opportunities, shortage of spiritual leaders and education materials. Moreover, psychological challenges included physical punishment from care givers, stigma, bullying behaviors and verbal abuse. Other identified psychological challenges included sadness, anxiety, anger and burnout, isolation, depression, grief and trauma. The challenges were influenced by lack of counseling knowledge and skills in caregivers. Furthermore, the study found out that in caring for orphaned children, caregivers were faced with some challenges like children’s misbehavior, water shortage, children’s laziness, shortage of basic needs and substance abuse among the orphans. The study recommends directors to employ caregivers who are trained in the field of psychology, counseling and parenting or train the in-service caregivers.