Support Mechanisms for Orphans’ Academic Achievement in Tanzania

Abstract

Orphans access to education is still critical for most of developing countries and Tanzania specifically. There have been government efforts such as policy and progams development and implementation to ensure orphans access to education, but the situation is still alarming. Literature in Tanzania have not explored fully the support mechanisms for orphans to capitalize their access to education. This study contribute to the literature by focusing on this case. The study was conducted in Tanzania and specifically Dodoma district. Four primary schools were involved in the study. Mixed methods approach was applied in this study covering a sample of 133 respondents. Data were analysed using the thematic and descriptive approaches. The study found that support mechanisms for orphans include government mechanisms, civil society organizations (CSOs) mechanisms and community mechanisms. Although these categories have shown efforts towards improving the situation, more efforts are required to solve the problem. The study suggests that, for government, it should continue building schools, hostels and counseling sessions at schools. Again, CSOs should continue raising awareness to community members, providing necessary financial support and help to orphans so that they can be able to attend schools. Moreover, community support such as taking care of orphans and encouraging them is highly recommended. These will make mechanisms applied to help orphans meaningful and contribute towards attaining quality education for all goal of sustainable development goals.