An Exploratory Study of SOS Community Based Child Care and Protection in Bedelle Town, Buno Bedelle Zone, Oromia Region.

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.