Understanding the Plight of orphaned and Vulnerable Children

Description

This book is about the plight of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Kenya (OVC). The number of OVC keeps increasing at an alarming rate. This crisis of orphaned children is a humanitarian development and a human rights challenge of an unprecedented proportion which needs to be addressed by our communities. Socio-economic problems such as HIV/ AIDS, poverty, illiteracy, child-labour, ethnic clashes, unemployment among others, are still a real challenge in our growing nation. Many orphaned children have found themselves on the streets as hawkers or street children. Adolescent orphans have had to engage in odd jobs in order to make ends meet. It is against this background that Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) have emerged to help alleviate the plight of children. FBOs are Christian –Based non-profit making organizations that are philanthropic and charitable in nature and are aligned to one of the world’s major religions. The study shows the efforts made by these organizations in giving holistic care and support to the children, despite their economic challenges. FBOs have given direct aid in support of the children’s education and other basic needs. Many of the OVC have been helped at least to attain basic education and have engaged in more profitable economic activities. Many have been rehabilitated in Children’s Homes and they now have a hope in life. However, it is a challenge to the reader of this book to lend a hand in support of OVC spiritually and physically. Remember God is loving, kind and compassionate, and we can do the same.

Mary Ogonji holds B.Ed (Arts) from Moi University and MA (Religion) from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya. A teacher by profession, Mary has taught in high school for many years and currently teaches Christian Religious Education and Kiswahili at Makunga Secondary School where she also serves as the Head of Department (Humanities and Guidance and Counseling). Apart from being a scholar of Religion, Mary is also a dedicated servant of God and Ordained Pastor. She serves at Grace Gospel Sanctuary, Kakamega, Kenya.

O. M. J. Nandi is a Professor of Social Sciences. He has over twenty years of teaching and research at University. He has supervised graduate students at master and PhD levels. He is a registered member of several professional bodies. He has published many scholarly articles in international and regional journals. He has co-authored a book, “A Synopsis of African Divine Church in Kenya with a Special Reference to Vihiga County”. He served as the Chairman of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Maseno University and founding Chair of the Department of Social Sciences Education, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). He also has acted as the Dean of Students and also served as Director of Privately Sponsored Students Programme for six years at MMUST. Currently, he is the Acting Principal, Kaimosi University College.