Orphans’ Academic Endeavors and Support Mechanisms in Tanzania

บทคัดย่อ

Orphans’ access to education is still critical for most developing countries, specifically Tanzania. Government efforts, such as policy, program development, and implementation, have been made to ensure orphans’ access to education, but the situation is still alarming. The literature in Tanzania has not fully explored the support mechanisms for orphans to capitalize on their access to education. This study contributes to existing literature by focusing on this topic. The study was conducted in Tanzania, specifically in Dodoma District. This study was conducted in four primary schools. A mixed-methods approach was applied in this study, covering a sample of 133 respondents. The data were analyzed using thematic and descriptive methods. The study found that support mechanisms for orphans include government, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community mechanisms. Although these entities have improved the situation, more effort is required to solve the problem. This study suggests that the government should continue expanding schools, hostels, and counseling sessions at schools. Similarly, CSOs should continue raising awareness among community members, providing necessary financial support, and enabling orphans to attend school. Moreover, community support, such as caring for orphans and encouraging them, is highly recommended. These efforts should make mechanisms applied to help orphans more meaningful and contribute towards attaining quality education toward achieving all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).