Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

The Importance of Education and Barriers to

OVC Access to Education

Handout 1 - Module 4 Topic 1

Reasons why it is important for OVC to receive an education:

• It prepares them to support themselves in the future


• It gives them the opportunity to form friendships and promotes social integration


• It gives them an opportunity to work with adults who care about them and wish to
  prepare them for their future


• It prevents isolation and marginalisation, and boosts self-esteem and sense of purpose


• It is good for their mental and psychological health and development


• It provides them with positive, meaningful activities


• It gives them the opportunity to learn life skills and gain information


• It helps prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS through information and awareness


• For girls, it helps prevent early pregnancies and marriages, and sexual exploitation and
  abuse, through both girls and boys learning to respect and understand one another.

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Possible barriers to children’s access to education:

• The child may be needed at home to care for a sick parent or to attend to other
  household tasks, such as looking after younger children.


• The child’s parents or guardian may not understand the importance of educating
  the child, or there may be neglect of a child’s needs in a dysfunctional household.


• Parents or guardians may not think the school curriculum is relevant to the child’s
  and familiy’s needs.


• Children may not have the money for school fees, uniform costs, books, etc.


• Children may suffer from stigma or discrimination at school because of HIV/AIDS
  in their family; or because of being disabled, or because of poverty.


• Female children may be discouraged from attending school because they are girls.


• The local school might not have adequate staff or facilities to cope with children
  with special needs, for example, physically or mentally disabled children.

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Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Appendix 1, Handouts^335