Exploring the role and capacity of school teachers in Zambia to support orphans and vulnerable children: considerations for educational resource allocation in Lusaka, Zambia

Int Q Community Health Educ. 2012;33(3):231-46. doi: 10.2190/IQ.33.3.b.

Abstract

This study investigated teachers' perceptions of their role as HIV/AIDS educators and also their role in providing care for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) across the different school systems in Lusaka, Zambia. Researchers used a combined quantitative and qualitative narrative approach. Original cross-sectional data were collected through face-to-face survey and in-depth interviews with school teachers in the Lusaka. A sample of 720 teachers from 123 schools completed surveys in 2008, with a 91% response rate for teachers, and 100% for schools sampled. Teachers for all school types reported that schools and teachers are the appropriate community resource for HIV-prevention education for youth and support for OVC. This study suggests that schools could serve as a source and alternative mechanism of support for vulnerable children.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Orphaned*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Faculty*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Professional Role*
  • School Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vulnerable Populations
  • Zambia