Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Charitable Children Institution in facilitating
successful reintegration of orphans and vulnerable children in Hospital Ward Thika West Sub
County. Kiambu County. The objectives of this study were: to investigate the factors leading
the admission of orphans and vulnerable children in CCIs, determine how community
education influences the reintegration of OVCs, and investigate how economic empowerment
influence reintegration of OVCs and to determine the challenges facing the reintegration of
OVCs. The study employed descriptive design with the target population of 530 and sample
size of 20 percent, both primary and secondary sources were used to collect the required
information. The data analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences and the results
were displayed in form of bar charts through frequency and percentage. The following findings:
The majority of the orphans and vulnerable children who are institutionalized are females. The
majority was in between 11-13 years of age and most of them were rescued by the social
workers from harsh environment. Comparing the three skills sets, self-management skills is
leading with high number followed by decisions making skills and followed by coping skills
mechanisms skills. These suggest that community education is effective in helping individuals
manage themselves better. The results demonstrated that majority agree that when the
caregivers are given a small capital to start small business, they will be able to become
sustainable and have the capacity to provide for their families. Consequently, the
institutionalization will decrease. Number of the respondents demonstrated that poverty and
lack of shelter hinder the process of reintegration. Families struggling with poverty often lack
the financial resources to provide basic necessities such as shelter, food, clothing, healthcare
and education, making it challenging meet the additional needs of reintegrated children. It was
established that factors such as economic challenges, the death of biological parent and poor
parenting are responsible for the institutionalization of orphans and vulnerable children on the
other hand educational program for community influence positively the ability of the caregivers
to handle, economic empowerment of equips them with knowledge and skill to be able to
manage small business and how to do there day to day operations and factors such as total
orphanage, critical conditions and poverty and lack of shelter hinder the process of
reintegration of the OVCs back to the families and community. The directorate of Children
Services may consider developing a robust network that enhance community based support
system such as local support systems, peer support group and community health workers to
provide ongoing assistance to families after reintegration. Offer training and resources to
family members to build their capacity in areas such as parenting skills, financial literacy and
emotional support. Charitable Children Institutions may develop a detailed personalized
reintegration plans that address the specific needs of each child and their family including
education, healthcare and psychosocial support. Endure continuous monitoring and evaluation
through regular home visits and follow-ups to address emerging challenges and provide timely
intervention.Children department in partnership with Charitable Children institution may work
closely to facilitate access to vocational training and income generating activities for caregivers
to improve the family economic stability. Provide direct financial support or access to
microcredit programs to help families meet immediate needs and invest in ling term stability.
Charitable Children institutions may consider collaborating with local authorities and schools
to ensure that reintegrated children have access to quality education including scholarships and
partner with health services to guarantee that children receive necessary medical care,
vaccinations and regular health check-ups. Children department in partnership with charitable
children institutions may offer continuous psychosocial support and counseling for both
children and their families to help them cope with the emotional aspects of reintegration.