Factors that enhance intrapersonal wellness of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) in institutions and community-based settings in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to determine and explain factors that enhance the intrapersonal wellness of orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs) in institutions and community-based settings in Zimbabwe. The study was conducted in three different settings in Harare Province and its environs. A sample of 204 children from the three settings was selected using the probability sampling method. The Psychosocial Well-being Quality Assessment Tool for children was used to collect data. The study findings indicated that intrapersonal wellness of orphans and other vulnerable children was determined and enhanced by factors like age, sex, type of home, physical ability, stigma and safety at home. The study noted that enhancement of intrapersonal wellness of orphans and other vulnerable children is crucial because this affects the children’s feelings of being accepted, loved, cared for. In addition, intrapersonal wellness also affects levels of confidence, happiness, and the child’s full development. The paper recommends that the key stakeholders, including government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), families and society at large should do everything in their power to uphold the rights and best interests of vulnerable children through promoting child-focused programmes that have the scope to mould the children into socially acceptable members of the global village.

Keywords: Intrapersonal, wellness, children, vulnerable, institution, society, orphan, Zimbabwe.