Analysis of Psychosocial Support Needs for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Primary Education: A Case Study of Public Schools in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study analysed the psychosocial support needs for orphans and vulnerable children in primary education. The particular focus was on public primary schools in Epworth, Mabvuku and Tafara. these schools were located in Harare of Zimbabwe.the analysis of this qualitative research study was based on the perspectives of 10 school heads, 10 teachers, 5 school counselors, and 80 orphans and vulnerable children, making a sample of 105 participants. These participants were drawn from 10 public primary schools in the areas mentioned above. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants. The study used interviews and focus group discussions to collect data. The data that were collected were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results revealed that while OVC in the research setting received some form of assistance from either government or NGOs, the assistance packages provided were not adequate to address the basic needs required to sustain the concerned children. The most pronounced insufficiencies were in the areas of educational, food and counseling support. The study recommended that the government and NGOs should coordinate and synchronise to ensure that the assistance provided to OVC in public primary schools in Epworth, Mabvuku and Tafara, addresses their basic needs.