ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLES, EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES OF CHILD HEADED HOUSEHOLDS AFFECTED BY HIV/AIDS: THE CASE OF FIFTEEN SELECTED CHILD HEADED FAMILIES IN SILTI DISTRICT, SILTIE ZONE, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Ethiopia faces large and growing numbers of child household heads, mainly due to AIDS-related parental deaths. Many of them are vulnerable to abuse and are forced to look after themselves and their siblings, drop out of school and find work. This exploratory study employed qualitative research methods using purposive sampling. The aim was to ascertain how child household heads affected by AIDS adapted to changed life circumstances. The study entailed fieldwork for Silti Woreda (District) of Siltie Zone, SNNPRs, where evidence was gathered from 15 selected households headed by children (aged 12 to18), their siblings and key informants. It was found that all the children in the study are in dismal living conditions although some reported feelings of satisfaction and happiness. The need to provide special recognition and support to child household heads and their siblings by policy makers and service providers in Ethiopia is highlighted.