ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ORPHAN CARE PROGRAMS ON THE WELL-BEING OF ORPHANED CHILDREN: A CASE STUDY OF CHILUNGAMO ORPHAN CARE CENTRE

This study assessed the impact of orphan care programs on the well-being of orphaned children: a case study of Chilungamo Orphan Care Centre. The research focused on key dimensions of well-being, including physical health, emotional stability, social integration, and educational support. Guided by Social Capital Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, the study examined how care services, social relationships, and access to basic needs influence the overall well-being of orphaned children. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, combining questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. The study targeted orphaned children aged 10–24 years and caregivers aged 26–40 years, with a total sample of 12 participants selected through stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that orphan care programs provide essential services such as educational support, child protection, healthcare referrals, nutritional and hygiene support, and psychosocial care, which positively contribute to children’s well-being. However, challenges such as inconsistent funding, limited caregiver training, and community stigma were identified as factors affecting service delivery. The study concludes that while orphan care programs play a vital role in improving the quality of life of orphaned children, strengthening resources, caregiver capacity, and community support is essential for sustainability and effectiveness. The findings provide practical insights to inform program improvement and enhance the well-being of orphaned children at Chilungamo Orphanage, contributing valuable knowledge to the existing literature on social welfare and child care initiatives. Education program, health care program and child protection program are the programs chilungamo orphan care centre provides to the orphaned children at the centre.