Analysis of the effect of child project programs on the living conditions of children: a case study of Focus Mulago Child Development Center Project (FMCDP)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of child project development programs on the living conditions of children. This was based on the following objectives; to find out the effect of caretakers’ highest education level on the living conditions of children; to establish whether there was a relationship between the child’s gender and their living conditions and also to establish whether there was a relationship between the number of years spent under child project support and the living conditions of children. The research was descriptive in nature involving both quantitative and qualitative methods which were administered through the questionnaire. The sample comprised of 60 respondents from Focus Mulago Child Project (FMCP). Stratified sampling was used where by the respondents were divided into small groups called strata basing on the years spent under child project support. Data analysis was carried out using Chi-square, Analysis of Variation and linear regression. Findings revealed that child project development programs better improved the living conditions of children. It showed that the more years a child spent under child project improved their living condition. A child with a certain development program especially education was associated with higher odds (1.8) of having improved living conditions. However inadequate education and health support among children remains a great challenge among communities. It was concluded that strengthening child project development programs in terms of educational development, spiritual development, social development and physical development significantly improves the living conditions of children. These living conditions included improved health, increased access to food, poverty eradication and improved sanitation. This would be achieved if more child development projects are established and given more support.