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Barriers to the community support of orphans and vulnerable youth in Rwanda

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  • Thurman, Tonya Renee
  • Snider, Leslie A.
  • Boris, Neil W.
  • Kalisa, Edward
  • Nyirazinyoye, Laetitia
  • Brown, Lisanne

Abstract

A consistent theme in the literature on interventions for orphans and vulnerable children is the need for community-based care. However, a number of socio-cultural factors may impede community response. In this study, mixed methods are used to elucidate community-level barriers to care for orphans and vulnerable youth in Rwanda. Data from a large survey of youth heads of household on perceptions of marginalization from the community and the factors predicting that marginalization are considered in light of additional data from a survey of adults who volunteered to mentor these youth and focus groups with both community adults and youth heads of household. Results highlight how orphans' impoverished condition, cause of parents' death, and community perceptions of orphan behavior play a role in the marginalization of orphaned youth in Rwanda. Evidence is also offered to show that targeting humanitarian assistance to vulnerable youth may inadvertently lessen the level of community support they receive and contribute to their marginalization. The implications of these data for community-based program approaches are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Thurman, Tonya Renee & Snider, Leslie A. & Boris, Neil W. & Kalisa, Edward & Nyirazinyoye, Laetitia & Brown, Lisanne, 2008. "Barriers to the community support of orphans and vulnerable youth in Rwanda," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(7), pages 1557-1567, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:66:y:2008:i:7:p:1557-1567
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    2. Rock, Amelia & Barrington, Clare & Abdoulayi, Sara & Tsoka, Maxton & Mvula, Peter & Handa, Sudhanshu, 2016. "Social networks, social participation, and health among youth living in extreme poverty in rural Malawi," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 55-62.
    3. Titeca, Kristof & Omwa, Samuel Samson, 2011. "Community-based initiatives in response to the OVC crisis in North Central Uganda," IOB Discussion Papers 2011.04, Universiteit Antwerpen, Institute of Development Policy (IOB).
    4. Betancourt, Theresa S. & Williams, Timothy P. & Kellner, Sarah E. & Gebre-Medhin, Joy & Hann, Katrina & Kayiteshonga, Yvonne, 2012. "Interrelatedness of child health, protection and well-being: An application of the SAFE model in Rwanda," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(10), pages 1504-1511.
    5. Kevin Thomas, 2012. "Migration, Household Configurations, and the Well-Being of Adolescent Orphans in Rwanda," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 31(4), pages 587-607, August.
    6. Rachel Goldberg & Susan Short, 2012. "“The Luggage that isn’t Theirs is Too Heavy…”: Understandings of Orphan Disadvantage in Lesotho," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 31(1), pages 67-83, February.
    7. Betancourt, Theresa Stichick & Meyers-Ohki, Sarah & Stulac, Sara N. & Elizabeth Barrera, Amy & Mushashi, Christina & Beardslee, William R., 2011. "Nothing can defeat combined hands (Abashize hamwe ntakibananira): Protective processes and resilience in Rwandan children and families affected by HIV/AIDS," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(5), pages 693-701, September.
    8. Ruth Evans, 2015. "HIV-related stigma, asset inheritance and chronic poverty: Vulnerability and resilience of widows and caregiving children and youth in Tanzania and Uganda," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 15(4), pages 326-342, October.

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