Challenges of Orphan Caregiver Families in Jimma Town, Oromia/Ethiopia

This study was conducted to understand the challenges faced by orphan caregiver families in Jimma town, Oromia, using phenomenological study design. Within the qualitative research approach, in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were employed to generate information. Thirty care givers were interviewed and three focus group discussions were conducted. Kebele chair persons, religious leaders and community based organizations representatives participated in the focus group discussions. Data collection and analysis were simultaneously done whereby thematic analysis approach was followed. The study revealed that orphan care givers faced strong socio-economic challenges yet they are willing to continue to give care and support to the orphans. The caregivers are committed in caring and supporting the children but aging and limited economic capacity of their household severely challenge them. In spite of their positive view of caring and supporting the orphans, the orphan caregivers and their families faced numerous challenges. The challenges derive from difficult situations of properly meeting requirements of the holistic development of children be it economic, social and psychological. The care givers found themselves in situations whereby they could not even meet the basic physiological needs of children such as feeding and proper shelter. However, the orphan caregivers derive psychological satisfactions from their morally right deeds. Care givers with long year experience of giving the care and support feel more proud of their contributions. The study concluded that needs of the orphan children are not fulfilled in line with social, psychological, physical, spiritual, and educational aspects mainly due to lack of sufficient resources to provide standard care and support for the children. Therefore, comprehensive intervention programme that addresses challenges of orphan caregiver families are commendable. Holistic development of orphans is possible only when the challenges are responsively addressed at different levels in the community which in turn begs for collaborative action of different stakeholders including individuals, families, civil society organizations and government.