Constraints in community based approaches for orphans

ABSTRACT

The objectives was to test the utility of various community based approaches to the problems of orphans in 2 sub-counties of Luwero district in Uganda. A needs assessment identified schooling; feeding; bedding; clothing; health centre; and housing as the highest priorities. Strategies were free primary education for 1400 children in exchange for material; not cash; assistance to schools; provision of income generating assistance to 60 guardian groups and to schools with projects; and limited emergency support to individuals. Results showed that (10 School support through in kind assistance has allowed children to attend school and improved the quality of schools. School committees would prefer cash assistance while guardians prefer in kind arrangement. (2) Income generating in groups has succeeded best where groups were small and cohesive and existed before the project. (3) Credit programs may not be appropriate if the poorest and most vulnerable are targets. (4) A new crisis can rapidly undo much of the improvement in guardian unit status. Conclusions: (1) Smaller income generating projects for individuals rather than larger projects for groups are likely to be more beneficial unless a cohesive group pre-exists. (2) Credit may be suitable for guardians desiring assistance a second time. (3) In kind support to schools has development and management advantages over using cash to pay school fees