ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ORPHANHOOD TRAUMA ON CHILDREN PERFORMANCE A CASE OF CHILDREN OF ALL NATIONS IN CHITIPI, LILONGWE

Abstract
This study examined the impact of orphan hood-related trauma on the academic, emotional, and
behavioral performance of children at Children of All Nations in Chitipi, Lilongwe, Malawi.
Existing literature on childhood trauma indicates that the loss of one or both parents disrupts
emotional attachment, psychological stability, and cognitive development, which are essential for
effective learning and social functioning. Studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa further show
that orphaned children are often exposed to compounded traumatic experiences such as poverty,
neglect, stigma, and emotional deprivation, leading to poor academic outcomes, behavioral
difficulties, and long-term psychosocial distress. Despite this evidence, psychosocial support
services in many child care institutions remain limited.
Guided by these perspectives, the study adopted a mixed-methods case study design, utilizing
qualitative interviews and limited quantitative data from a sample of 25 participants comprising
orphaned children, caregivers, and educators. Data were analyzed using thematic and content
analysis techniques. The findings revealed that bereavement trauma was the most common
experience among the children and was associated with emotional distress, low self-esteem,
behavioral challenges, and academic difficulties such as poor concentration, irregular school
attendance, and grade repetition. Although the institution provides basic needs and educational
support, psychosocial counseling services were inadequate.
Furthermore, the study highlighted that children who received consistent emotional support from
caregivers and teachers showed better coping mechanisms and relatively improved academic
engagement, suggesting that even limited psychosocial interventions can positively influence
resilience. This underscores the importance of structured trauma-informed programs, caregiver
training, and continuous emotional support to mitigate the negative effects of orphan hood trauma
on children’s learning and overall development.
The study concludes that orphan hood-related trauma significantly undermines children’s
academic and psychosocial functioning and recommends the integration of trauma-informed care,
strengthened psychosocial support services, and caregiver training to improve the overall
wellbeing and performance of orphaned childre