IMPACT OF ORPHANAGE HOMES ON THE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDO STATE.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background to the Study

Orphanage homes play a significant role in the educational development of children in primary schools. According to a study by McCall (2013), children in orphanages often face challenges that can affect their educational development. These challenges include lack of individual attention, limited resources, and frequent changes in caregivers. However, the study also noted that orphanages that provide a stable and supportive environment can significantly improve the educational outcomes of these children.

In a similar vein, a study by Van Ijzendoorn et al. (2011) found that children in orphanages often lag behind their peers in school. The study attributed this to the lack of a stable family environment, which is crucial for the cognitive and emotional development of children. However, the study also noted that orphanages that provide a nurturing and stimulating environment can help bridge this gap.

On the other hand, a study by Taneja et al. (2015) found that children in orphanages often excel in school due to the structured environment and the emphasis on education. The study found that these children often have higher levels of discipline and are more focused on their studies compared to their peers. This is attributed to the structured environment in orphanages, which often includes set times for study and homework.

However, a study by Erol et al. (2010) found that the quality of education in orphanages often depends on the resources available. The study found that orphanages with limited resources often struggle to provide a quality education for their children. This includes lack of textbooks, inadequate teaching staff, and poor infrastructure.

The impact of orphanage homes on the educational development of children in primary schools is multifaceted. While orphanages can provide a structured and supportive environment that can enhance the educational outcomes of children, they can also pose challenges that can hinder their educational development. Therefore, it is crucial for orphanages to have adequate resources and a stable environment to ensure the educational development of their children.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

The problem of the impact of orphanage homes on the educational development of children in primary schools in Nigeria is a multifaceted issue. According to Aderinto (2000), children in orphanages often face numerous challenges that can hinder their educational development. These challenges include inadequate educational resources, lack of individual attention, and emotional trauma, which can negatively affect their academic performance.

The second issue is the quality of education provided in these orphanages. A study by Oyebade, Adegoke, and Abolarin (2016) found that many orphanages in Nigeria lack qualified teachers and appropriate teaching materials, which can significantly affect the quality of education the children receive. This lack of quality education can lead to poor academic performance and limit the children’s future opportunities.

Thirdly, the emotional and psychological well-being of the children in orphanages is another significant problem. According to Ebigbo and Abaga (1990), children in orphanages often experience emotional distress due to separation from their families, which can affect their concentration and learning ability. This emotional distress can further hinder their educational development.

Furthermore, the social stigma associated with being an orphan can also affect the children’s educational development. A study by Okoye and Obikeze (2008) found that children in orphanages often face discrimination and stigmatization from their peers and society, which can negatively affect their self-esteem and motivation to learn.

The fifth problem is the lack of government support and funding for orphanages. According to Akinboye, Akinboye, and Adeyemo (2002), many orphanages in Nigeria are underfunded and lack the necessary resources to provide quality education for the children. This lack of funding can further exacerbate the educational challenges faced by the children in these orphanages.

Lastly, the lack of proper monitoring and regulation of orphanages is another significant problem. According to Uzodinma (2018), many orphanages in Nigeria operate without proper oversight, which can lead to neglect and abuse of the children. This lack of oversight can further hinder the children’s educational development and overall well-being.

 1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine impact of Orphanage Homes on the Educational Development of Children in Primary Schools in Oredo Local Government Edo State. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the impact of orphanage homes on the educational development of children in primary schools.
2. To assess the quality of education provided in orphanage homes and how it compares to that of traditional family settings.
3. To investigate the role of caregivers in orphanage homes in facilitating the educational development of children.
4. To evaluate the availability and effectiveness of educational resources in orphanage homes.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the impact of orphanage homes on the educational development of children in primary schools?
2. How does the quality of education provided in orphanage homes compare to that of traditional family settings?
3. What role do caregivers in orphanage homes play in facilitating the educational development of children?
4. How available and effective are the educational resources in orphanage homes?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement for the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Orphanage homes has no significance impact on the educational development of children in primary schools.

H₁: Orphanage homes has significance impact on the educational development of children in primary schools.

1.6. Significance of the Study

The significance of studying the impact of orphanage homes on the educational development of children in primary schools in Nigeria is multi-faceted. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the educational challenges faced by orphaned children. These children often lack the necessary support systems that are crucial for their academic success. By studying this, we can identify the specific areas where these children are lagging behind and devise strategies to address these gaps.

Secondly, this study can help to highlight the role of orphanage homes in providing educational support to these children. Orphanages are not just places that provide shelter to orphaned children; they also play a significant role in their overall development, including their education. By studying the impact of these homes, we can understand how they are contributing to the educational development of these children and where improvements can be made.

Thirdly, the study can also shed light on the government’s role in ensuring the educational development of orphaned children. It can help to assess whether the current policies and programs are effective in addressing the educational needs of these children. If not, the study can provide valuable insights into what changes need to be made.

Fourthly, the study can also be significant for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders who are working in this field. The findings of the study can guide them in their efforts to improve the educational outcomes of orphaned children. They can use the study’s findings to refine their programs and strategies.

Fifthly, the study can also contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the subject. It can provide new insights and perspectives that can be useful for future research. It can also help to fill any gaps in the existing literature on the subject.

Lastly, the study can also have a broader societal impact. By improving the educational outcomes of orphaned children, we can help to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage that many of these children find themselves in. This can lead to a more equitable and inclusive society. Therefore, the significance of this study extends beyond the academic realm and has real-world implications.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of Orphanage Homes on the Educational Development of Children in Primary Schools in Oredo Local Government Edo State. The study is restricted to Oredo Local Government Edo State.

1.8.  Operational Definition of Terms

• Impact: In this context, impact refers to the effect or influence that orphanage homes may have on the educational development of children. It could be positive, such as providing a stable environment for learning, or negative, such as causing emotional distress that hinders academic progress.
• Orphanage Homes: These are residential institutions where children who have lost their parents, or are unable to stay with them due to various reasons, are cared for. They provide basic necessities like food, shelter, and sometimes education.
• Educational Development: This term refers to the process of learning and acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes. It involves various aspects like cognitive development, emotional and social development which are crucial for a child’s overall growth. In the context of your study, it refers to how well children in primary schools are progressing in their education.
• Children: In this context, children refer to individuals who are in the age group that attends primary school. They are the subjects of the study, specifically those living in orphanage homes in Nigeria.
• School: A school is an institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. In this context, it refers to primary schools in Nigeria where the children from orphanage homes are studying. 

IMPACT OF ORPHANAGE HOMES ON THE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDO STATE.