Factors Associated with Education Outcomes for Orphan and Abandoned Children in India

Background: India has approximately 25 million orphan and abandoned children (OAC) (NCPCR, 2010) that are susceptible to emotional, physical and mental maltreatment. Many studies indicate education plays an important role in the full development and well being of an individual through their life course (Awan, et al, 2011; Larson et al, 2006). However, most OAC reside in households that have limited resources, which impacts their educational opportunities. Previous studies suggest that in communities with limited resources, OAC that reside with non-biological caregivers are more at risk than those fostered by a biological parent. In light of the growing magnitude of OAC in India, this study builds on past literature to provide additional evidence regarding impact of resource limitations on OAC educational outcomes.

 

Method: The study uses Positive Outcomes for Orphan Children dataset from the Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research. The sample consists of OAC/ primary caregiver dyads (N=579) living in community-based settings in India (Hyderabad and Nagaland). Hierarchical logistic regression was conducted to explore factors associated with educational outcomes of OAC. The first model consisted of assets measured by caregiver characteristics as predictors of educational outcomes. In the second model, child characteristics were added. In the final model, opportunity measured by child involvement in work was added. The moderation effect of child involvement in work on the biological relationship with caregiver and educational outcomes of OAC was also tested.

Results: The results from the final model indicate that the overall model is significant  (X²(14)=136.98, p<.001). A conditional moderation effect of child involvement in work on the biological relationship with caregiver and educational outcomes of OAC was observed. The main effect of OAC involved in work was significant. When OAC were involved in work, their odds of being in the target grade increased by 88%, as compared to those who were not involved in work (OR= 1.88; p<.05). The main effect of biological relationship with the caregiver was not significant. The results of interaction effect indicate that OAC who had non-biological caregivers and were involved in work had reduced odds of being in target grade by 63% (OR=.37, p<05) as compared to OACs that had a biological relationship with their caregiver and were involved in work.

 

Conclusion & Implications: This study highlights the impact of household resource constraint on the wellbeing of OAC. Due to financial barriers, caregivers are unable to invest in educating OAC, as they are an additional burden on the household. In such circumstances, households might utilize OAC to either conserve or generate income for the family’s wellbeing. With a growing burden of OAC in countries such as India, there is need for government, local communities and global citizens to protect the rights of children as stipulated by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. To fulfill child rights, policies and programs should take a holistic approach towards strengthening capacities of households, caregivers and children. Additionally, community resource mobilization and developing school programs to specifically cater to the need of OAC are required.