SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHILD CARE SERVICES FOR ORPHAN AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN: THE CASE OF THREE SELECTED KEBELES IN DIRE DAWA CITY

Abstract

Ethiopia is home to one of the world's largest orphan populations. A significant concern has been identified as a lack of competent care for orphans. This study examines and highlights significant social and economic issues that negatively influence child care service provision in three selected kebeles of Dire Dawa City. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to investigate the social and economic barriers to the provision of childcare services for OVC in selected 3 kebeles of Dire Dawa City. Data was gathered from both primary sources, such as local community elders and religious leaders, as well as caregiver agency experts, and secondary sources, such as previous research findings and academic journal articles. The study used surveys, key informant interviews, non- participant observation, focus-group discussion, and documentary analysis for data collection. Regarding the collection of quantitative data, among non-probability sampling techniques, purpose sampling was employed to select kebeles (kebele 04, kebele 05, and kebele 08) based on the characteristics of a population and the objective of the study. To determine the sample size of orphan and vulnerable children's households, Slovin's formula and the probability proportional to sample size (PPS) technique were employed to gather quantitative data. Out of 1980 total OVC households in 3 selected kebeles, 324 sample respondents from 05 kebele, 06 kebele, and 08 kebele were chosen. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistical metrics, and the qualitative data was also thematically explored. Finally, the qualitative and quantitative data were pooled and reviewed, and a sociological interpretation and conclusion were reached at the same time. The study indicated food and nutrition, health care, housing renovation, economic strengthening, and counseling were offered to the OVC family households, but the care and assistance offered by governments, non-government agencies to orphans and vulnerable children were insufficient and did not address their underlying difficulties. It was also uncovered that partnerships, networking, and collaboration among stakeholders are currently very weak. The study suggests improving working relationships with communities; addressing time-consuming bureaucratic procedures; and empowering OVC families to be self-sufficient