Effects of COVID19 on continued learning by orphans in primary schools during lockdown: A case of Busia Municipality, Busia District

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of COVID-19 on children’s learning by orphans during COVID-19 lockdown in primary schools of Busia municipality. The study also sought to investigate how orphans accessed continued learning and materials during lock down, examine the challenges that faced primary school going (orphan) children during lock down, the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the orphans and to make recommendations for interventions that support primary school going orphans during lockdown in Busia Municipality. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data was collected using questionnaires and key informant guide from primary school orphans who are the primary respondents, guardians or caregivers of these children, local leaders, religious leaders, teachers, and these were the key informants. The study established that more than half of the pupils (60.6%) were not able to access learning and learning materials during lockdown from any source, and only 39.4% were accessing learning and the materials. Majority (34.6%) of the pupils were accessing learning and materials through teaching or coaching in their homes by teachers and only 13.3% were learning via TVs. Majority of the participants (88%) paid for the learning materials and only 12% received the learning materials for free. Most pupils didn’t find the learning materials being of help, the learning materials were of much help to them and the materials were not helpful at all to most of the pupils. The study concluded that the closure of schools due to COVID-19 lockdown affected orphaned children in accessing learning and learning materials, and it also led to the rise of early pregnancies or marriages, child labour and dropping out of schools, among others. The study recommends that government should always put in place mechanisms that allow equitable distribution of relief to every needy group of people during times of pandemics to allow continued lea