Eliud Kabelege

The Fate of Aids Orphans in Orphan Care Centres in Tanzania: the Influence of Orphan Care Centre on Helping Aids Orphans Children to Cope with Their Orphanhood in Tanzania Eliud Kabelege

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of Orphan Care Centres on helping AIDS orphan children to cope with their orphanhood. More specifically the study explored the ways in which Orphan Care Centres used to help AIDS orphan children to cope with their orphanhood in Tanzania. The study was conducted in Njombe district in Iringa region in southern highland of Tanzania. Data were collected through documentary search, interviews, observation, focus group discussion and questionnaire. Collected data were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study established the following; Orphan Care Centres founded by Faith Based Organizations, Non Governmental Organization and individuals mainly from 1990s. Orphan Care Centres offered materials,emotional and psychological services. AIDS Orphans used both problem focused and emotional focused to cope with orphanhood. Despite of all these support to AIDS orphan children Orphan Care Centre faced problems in helping AIDS orphaned children. The study conclude that Orphan Care Centre play vital role in helping AIDS Orphans to cope with their orphanhood. But they need help to overcome the challenges they face.