Social challenges facing orphans and vulnerable children in Kibera Slums Nairobi

Abstract

This research focused on the on the social challenges facing OVCs in Kibera slums Nairobi. The objectives of the study was to find out the social challenges and suffering facing OVCs ,identify and give recommendation to these challenges and create awareness and sensitization to these social challenges. The study employed of survey design targeting 96 OVCs who were randomly selected .Questionnaires was used as a tool for data collection where the participants were issued with open ended questionnaire to give their views. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS software and presented inform of frequency tables. Social challenges facing OVCs in Kibera slums included; child abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, abandonment, poor sanitation, high poverty levels, school dropouts, life uncertainties, stigma and discrimination and lack of parental care. The recommendation for the social challenges included government activities which included coming up with policies to safe guard the welfare of OVCs, community activities as well as NGOs. AIDS, fuelled by high poverty levels, is one of the main contributors to OVC incidence in Kenya.