CHALLENGES FACINGS ORPHAN AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN (A CASE STUDY OF DUTSE CENTRAL ORPHANAGE CENTER)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the introductory aspects of the study. It covers the background to the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitations of the study, and definition of key terms. The purpose is to provide a clear foundation upon which the study is anchored.

1.1 Background to the Study

Children are regarded as one of the most valuable assets of any society, as they represent the future generation and the foundation of national development. However, a large number of children worldwide are faced with difficult circumstances that render them vulnerable to deprivation, neglect, and exploitation. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) form a significant part of this category, and they are recognized globally as children in need of special protection and care (UNICEF, 2021).

According to UNICEF (2020), an orphan is a child who has lost one or both parents, while a vulnerable child is one whose living conditions make him or her more susceptible to risks that hinder survival and development. Globally, it is estimated that over 153 million children are orphans, and millions more are vulnerable due to poverty, wars, natural disasters, and diseases (World Health Organization, 2019). Sub-Saharan Africa carries the highest burden of OVC, largely as a result of HIV/AIDS, conflicts, poverty, and weak social welfare systems (UNAIDS, 2021).

In Nigeria, the plight of OVC is a pressing social issue. The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (2019) estimated that millions of Nigerian children fall into this category due to parental loss, displacement by insurgency, communal clashes, and socio-economic hardship. The situation is even more critical in northern Nigeria, where insecurity, child trafficking, and high poverty rates have contributed to the rising number of OVC (Adewale & Yusuf, 2020). As a result, many of these children suffer from poor nutrition, lack of access to quality education and health care, stigmatization, and emotional neglect.

Dutse Central Orphanage Centre in Jigawa State was established to provide shelter, care, and support for such children. The centre serves as a place of refuge where OVC can access basic needs such as food, clothing, education, and psychosocial care. Despite these interventions, many challenges persist, including inadequate funding, overcrowding, insufficient facilities, and limited government support. Caregivers in such institutions also struggle with meeting the diverse physical, emotional, and social needs of the children (Eze, 2018).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite several governmental and non-governmental interventions targeted at improving the welfare of orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria, their plight remains critical. Many OVC are still exposed to poverty, child labor, street hawking, exploitation, sexual abuse, and lack of quality education and healthcare services (Eze, 2018). In Dutse Central Orphanage Centre, anecdotal evidence suggests that the children continue to face challenges such as inadequate funding, poor feeding, overcrowding, emotional neglect, and insufficient educational facilities.

If these challenges persist, OVC may not only suffer developmental setbacks but also become vulnerable to social vices such as delinquency, drug abuse, and crime. It is against this background that this study seeks to assess the challenges facing orphans and vulnerable children in Dutse Central Orphanage Centre, Jigawa State.

1.3 Research Objectives of the Study

1. Identify the socio-economic challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children in Dutse Central Orphanage Centre.
2. Examine the educational and health challenges of OVC in the orphanage.
3. Assess the psychosocial and emotional difficulties experienced by the children.
4. Investigate the role of the orphanage management and government in addressing the needs of OVC.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following research questions:

1. What socio-economic challenges do orphans and vulnerable children in Dutse Central Orphanage Centre face?
2. What are the educational and health challenges encountered by OVC in the orphanage?
3. What psychosocial and emotional difficulties are experienced by the children?
4. How do the orphanage management and government address the challenges of OVC?

1.6 Scope and Delimitations of the Study

Scope: The scope of this study is limited to Dutse Central Orphanage Centre in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Delimitations: This study is limited to Dutse Central Orphanage Centre in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State and all other orphanage centre not part of this study.

1.7 Significance of the Study

This study is significant in several ways. First, it will provide empirical data on the challenges confronting OVC in Dutse Central Orphanage Centre, thereby contributing to knowledge in child welfare studies. Second, it will serve as a guide to policymakers, government agencies, and NGOs in formulating and implementing child-friendly policies and interventions. Third, the findings will assist orphanage administrators and caregivers in improving their strategies for child care and support. Finally, it will be a useful reference material for researchers, students, and scholars who are interested in issues concerning child development and welfare in Nigeria.

1.8 Definition of Key Terms

For clarity and proper understanding of this study, the following key terms are operationally defined within the context of the research:

Orphan: A child who has lost one or both parents through death. In this study, an orphan refers specifically to children residing in Dutse Central Orphanage Centre who have lost parental care (UNICEF, 2020).

Vulnerable Child: A child whose living conditions expose him or her to risks of neglect, abuse, exploitation, or deprivation of basic needs such as food, shelter, and education (FMOWA, 2019). In this research, vulnerable children include those living in the orphanage due to poverty, abandonment, or displacement.

Orphanage Centre: An institutional home established to provide shelter, food, education, and psychosocial care to children without parental care. Dutse Central Orphanage Centre serves as the case study for this research (Eze, 2018).

Socio-Economic Challenges: These are difficulties faced by OVC as a result of poverty, inadequate access to food, clothing, shelter, and other basic necessities that affect their survival and development.

Educational Challenges: Obstacles that hinder OVC from accessing quality and sustainable education, including lack of learning materials, inadequate funding, and insufficient school support.

Health Challenges: Barriers that limit OVC from enjoying adequate healthcare, such as poor nutrition, limited medical facilities, and vulnerability to diseases (WHO, 2019).

Psychosocial Support: Emotional, mental, and social assistance provided to children to enhance their well-being, resilience, and integration into society (UNAIDS, 2021).

Welfare: The overall well-being of orphans and vulnerable children, encompassing their physical, emotional, educational, and social development.

Orphan: A child who has lost one or both parents due to death (UNICEF, 2021).

Vulnerable Child: A child whose survival, well-being, or development is threatened by lack of parental care, poverty, abuse, or other socio-economic factors (FMOWA, 2019).

Orphanage: An institution that provides shelter, care, and support for children without parental care.

Socio-economic Challenges: Difficulties relating to poverty, lack of access to basic needs, and financial hardship.

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