An investigation into challenges faced by community-based interventions for orphans and vulnerable children in Mutare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This research was designed to explore the challenges faced by community-based interventions for orphans and vulnerable children in Mutare, Zimbabwe. This study employed qualitative case study method which focused on the two community-based organisations, FACT and Simukai. Cross-case data analysis relating to research questions was done using transcriptions organised by themes and sub-themes from focus group discussions with volunteers, in-depth interviews with caregivers and staff from both CBOs. Findings show that communities are committed to the care and support of OVCs by offering their voluntary services. Despite volunteer/caregivers’ commitment to care and support OVCs, some challenges noted by caregivers were: caregiver fatigue, lack of material resources for OVCs during visits and lack of interest in young people taking up voluntary work. Simukai and FACT interventions were found to be mainly education, psychosocial support, medical assistance, project management, capacity building and financing of self help projects for OVCs and their families.