Browsing by Author "Macha, Salvatory George"

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    Coping with the caring problems of orphans in Tanzanian communities: a case study of Temeke district, Dar es Salaam
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2005) Macha, Salvatory George
    The HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub Sahara Africa has already orphaned generation of children. This study examines coping with the caring problems of orphans in Temeke district in Dar es Salaam. HIV/AIDS causes deaths which increase the number of orphans. The negative effects of the HIV/AIDS are creating burden on caring for the orphans in households and in community. The extended family system in most societies is already overstrained and weighted down. The households with orphans experience problems in social and economic aspects. Coping strategies require that links exist between the efforts of an individual, households and an entire community to confront the problem effectively. The aims of this study, therefore, were to examine the impact of orphans on social and economic aspects in the family and community level. To examine the coping strategies used by the households and community in caring for HIV/AIDS orphans in the households and the community. The study is based on the data collected using samples in four wards (Miburani, Mtoni, Mbagala and Tuangoma) in Temeke district, a structured and unstructured interview were administered to 206 respondents. In households, orphans institutions and officials; structured and unstructured interviews were conducted to get detailed information. Also focus groups9 discussions to get more opinions were conducted. The results show that majority of caretakers were poor. Caring expenses reduced the ability of the households to meet their necessary basic needs. The study shows that 84.3% of the respondents reported orphans to be a burden in their house due to their needs. The results also revealed that caretakers have problems that include; lack of time for child care, labour and capital input for non employed, vocational skills and legal advice. 79.1% reported that HIV/AIDS orphans are stigmatized. In terms of coping mechanisms the study revealed that households venture in economic activities like petty trade, casual labour, food vending, vocational activities and wage labour. Others were household disposal of assets and distribution of orphans among the relatives. Basing on the results above it is recommended that the government should empower the households to improve their household economic capacity. To waive fees for orphans and encourage private schools and hospitals to absorb more orphans and reduce the charges. Finally, government should provide legal advice to the caretakers.