Abstract:
Objective: the purpose of this study was to explore and identify the type of care and protection
provided for the neediest children, to describe the relevance of the care and protection services
provided in relation to the needs of the children, to identify the segments of the community which
participate in the SOS children’s village and their contribution SOS community based child care
and protection in Bedele town.
Methods: The study participants were purposively selected from the project beneficiary
children, their parents/guardians, community associations, relevant government offices and the
project implementers. Accordingly, five project beneficiary children, five parents/guardians, five
key informants from relevant government offices and from the project implementers were
purposively selected and interviewed. Data collection methods such as focus group discussions
(FGDs), in-depth and key informant interviews were used to collect the data required. Thematic
analysis was used to analyse the data.
Finding: findings of the study revealed that medical treatments, supply of education materials,
paying school fees are the major types of care and protection provided by SOS children village
for clients of the project. Similarly, the care and protection provided by SOS children’s village
was relevant to the needs of the beneficiary children. Thus, clients of the project are to some
extent satisfied with the supports/services provided by the project although there are some
reservations regarding the amount of assistance provided to them. Moreover, the study found out
that there is community participation in the efforts to provide child care and protection services.
The office of women, children and youth, office of labour and social affairs and community
associations are the segments which work in collaboration with SOS children’s village Bedele
branch.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the care and protection services provided to neediest clients are
very essential to tackle their sociology-economic challenges. Finally, it is recommended that Parents
or clients of the SOS children’s village Bedele branch should do their best to generate their own
income rather than waiting for handouts from donors.
