Counselling needs of orphans in bethel orphanage in Gomoa central district

Abstract

The study explored counselling needs of orphan children in Bethel orphanage in Gomoa Central district, Ghana. Phenomenological design within qualitative approach was adopted. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 15 (10) orphan children and five (5) workers to constitute the sample for the study. Semi-structured interview was the main instruments that was used to gather the data. The collected data was analysed thematically. It was found that orphan children received social supports such as food, clothing, Covid-19 personal protective equipment and encouragement among others. Also, sadness and rejection among peers were the psychological experiences of orphan children. Further, assistance in the form of food, clothing and pieces of advice orphan children received from friends, individuals in the community and religious groups helped orphan children to cope with their psychological experiences. More so, orphan children had counselling needs such as someone to talk to, show orphan children care and love as well as to listen to their problems. It was concluded that these children were assisted by some individuals and organisations. Besides, they often went through sad moment and rejection from their peers. Again, they received encouragement from their peers, teachers and elderly people as a way of coping. Also, these children had counselling needs, but did not get professional counsellors to help them meet these needs. It was recommended that individuals, groups and religious organizations should frequently supply orphan children with basic needs of life. Again, it was recommended that, teachers and school authorities should do their best to educate and orient students on the need to accept these orphans as friends and colleague. Also, the manager of Bethel orphanage should employ professional counsellors who would help provide counselling needs to these orphan children