Facilities and challenges for education during COVID-19 pandemic among institutionalized orphans in Gampaha District

Abstract

Background: Orphans are critically underprivileged in receiving and accessing positive learning experiences in general. This may have worsened during a global pandemic with movement restrictions. We aimed to describe the facilities and challenges for education before and during COVID-19 pandemic among institutionalized orphans in Gampaha district. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study approached all wardens of Child Development Centers (CDCs) in Gampaha district compatible with the inclusion criteria (N=46) using a telephone interview in February, 2021. Results: The response rate was 56.5% (26/46) as 43.4% declined participation due to legal and administrative issues. More than 60% accommodated fewer than 20 children. All CDCs had at least 2 uniforms per child. Other essentials for schooling and stationeries were adequately available. Only 10 had a separate chair and a table for each child. Only 16 CDCs had computers and 15 had internet connections before the pandemic. Twenty-four (92.3%) reported that they sent their children to extra tuition classes. During COVID-19, roughly equal proportions used printed material sent from school (34%), online learning platforms (32%) and television (30%) to continue education. Only 65% was able to provide equal e-learning facilities for all children. Only 17 (73%) could continue education without any interruption. Majority could not state a cost for education. However, 84% stated they “managed” and 81% claimed that it increased during COVID-19. Most had covered their expenses through private organizations (53%) and individual donations (25%). Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on children's education in the studied institutions due to inadequate facilities.