Challenges Faced By Women Orphans’ Caregivers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Wellbeing of an orphan caregiver affects the child-rearing practice, which in turn could affect the growth and development of the orphaned child. Challenges faced by women orphan caregivers make caring a more extraneous task. A qualitative study was designed, to investigate the challenges faced by women orphan caregivers. Data was collected from SOS children village, an internationally recognized orphanage located in Karachi, Pakistan. An open ended interview was conducted with 17 women orphan caregivers employed at the organization through interview schedule. Various themes were identified. Two major themes indicating challenges were identified; professional or organizational level and personal level that were further divided in sub themes and analyzed. Results indicated that caregivers themselves were abandoned and suffered from psychological disturbances and lacked in awareness of effective coping skills. Orphan caregivers faced distress due to inability to effectively handle hectic routine at the orphanage, low salary, and lack of knowledge and skill to address diverse needs of all children. Overall, caring for orphans is a challenging job and it is recommended that orphan caregivers are provided with professional support to cope with psychological issues; and training on caregiving knowledge and skills to effectively handle children with diverse needs. This could eventually help in improving wellbeing of the caregivers and enhancing overall development of the orphans.