Educational status is an important indicator of children’s wellbeing and future life opportunities. It can predict growth potential and economic viability of a state. While this is an ideal situation for all children, the case may be different for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) due to the challenges they go through on a daily basis.
As the number of OVC grows, communities become less and less capable of addressing all their basic needs, including their ability to go to school. Lack of support in education by parents/guardians will have a direct influence on how OVC perform in education. Interventions to overcome educational challenges are therefore critical as education gives a child hope for life and work and is a strong protector against HIV to which the- se children may be susceptible.
Education as recognized in the convention on the rights of the child is a basic human right for all children. A child who has access to quality primary schooling has a better chance in life. A child who knows how to read and write and do basic arithmetic has a solid foundation for continued learning throughout life. Javic Junior School has initiated an orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) program within the school to support the OVCs by educating and supplementing nutritional requirement to them.
The OVC program at Javic aim to promote regular school attendance, with particular attention given to children of under 10 years old and constraints that prevent them from attending school. Schools also serves as community resources and information centres. The infrastructure and human resources (teachers, students and parents) have assisted in training and skills development and in promoting increased access to quality basic education for all children enrolled in this program.