Management Of Orphanages And Its Implication On The Educational Performance Of Orphaned Learners In Kisauni Sub-County, Mombasa County (Kenya)

ABSTRACT

This research investigated the implication that orphanage management has on the educational performance of orphaned learners. Its purpose was to determine how orphanages are managed both as homes and schools in terms of meeting the orphaned learners’ needs and the impact of the management on the educational performance of the orphaned learners. The research was conducted in Kisauni sub-county, Mombasa County. It was guided by four objectives and four research questions. The objectives were: to find out the role of the manager in the management of the orphanage, to determine the implication provision of basic needs has on the educational performance of orphaned learners, to find out the behavior exhibited by orphaned learners (as a result of living in an orphanage) and the implication of these behaviors on their educational performance and to determine the role played by teachers in educational performance of orphaned learners. The theoretical framework of the study was based on Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and the conceptual framework presented displays how the independent variables interact and how that interaction affects the outcome of the dependent variable. The literature reviewed on the study is also presented, guided by the four objectives of the study. The research design used was descriptive survey and the sample size of the study included: 4 managers, 10 teachers and 42 orphaned learners from four different orphanages that function both as children’s homes and schools. Data was collected using questionnaires administered to teachers and orphaned learners and a structured interview schedule for the orphanage managers. The data was later coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and the findings presented in tables and graphs. The findings are presented using research objectives where the role of the manager was found to be that of financial management, provision of needs to the orphaned learners and curriculum planning and implementation. The provision of basic and educational needs was found to make the environment conducive for the learners to live and study in. It was further found that the orphaned learners face a number of challenges in class due to growing up in orphanages but through motivation and counseling, behave better and enjoy working with teachers and other pupils. The role of the teacher was established to be that of educating and providing pastoral care. It was therefore, concluded that the management of the orphanages has a positive impact on the educational performance of the orphaned learners as it creates a conducive environment for living and learning hence the good educational performance (discussed through the learners’ and teachers’ ratings). Some of the recommendations given were that the county governments should assist the orphanages in the provision of their daily basic needs and educational materials and teachers should be trained and retrained on handling of vulnerable children. Areas for further research are also given.