Challenges Of Civil Society Organizations In The Provision Of Formal Education To Vulnerable Children In Tororo And Busia Districts

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing the challenges civil society organizations face in the provision of formal education to vulnerable children in Tororo and Busia districts. It was guided by the following specific objectives, namely: to find out the nature of vulnerable children in Tororo and Busia districts; to find out the educational services vulnerable children receive from civil society organizations; and to study the challenges vulnerable children encounter in accessing education.

The study employed the exploratory-descriptive survey research design. The design combined the exploratory and descriptive techniques of study and employed qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, hence the use of questionnaires, interviews and observation guides.

The study findings revealed that there is no clear disparity that exists among various children supported educationally and since vulnerable children are found almost everywhere, it is not easy to identify vulnerable children. Support to vulnerable children is intended to redeem the child holistically. The challenges vulnerable children face in accessing education arise due to many underlying forces, including the nature of their upbringing and the way society looks at them. Hence, the responses of vulnerable children to the formal education offered to them depend on how we handle them. It was concluded that it is not always easy to identify vulnerable children for support. Whoever is therefore declared a vulnerable child is supported variously.

The study recommends that it is the responsibility of all members of the society to take serious concern on the issue of vulnerable children. Also, all are called upon to voice out vulnerable children abuses in the society, for public awareness.