Educational Outcomes of Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe

Abstract

HIV/AIDS was first reported in Africa in the early 1980s, and it has now become one of the most devastating epidemics in the history of Africa. It is responsible for unprecedentedly high mortality rates with a majority of people dying in their prime years. Like many other Sub-Saharan countries, Zimbabwe has been hit hard by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. One of the many negative consequences of this pandemic is orphanhood. The number of children who are orphans as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa continues to increase as the condition continues to spread viciously and claim lives. Most of these children are school-aged and they encounter a number of challenges in their education. These students have exceptional learning needs which requires education to be tailored to their immediate needs. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a detailed discussion of the educational challenges faced by children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe. Recommendations to meet or support the needs of these children are also provided.