The Roles of Iddirs' on Supporting Orphan Childern's in Ethiopia

Iddirs are traditional community based organizations (CBOs) primarily established to facilitate burial ceremonies and comforting the bereaved. This study has emphasized on the additional roles and functions of Iddirs on supporting vulnerable groups of the community. To meet its purpose the research has employed qualitative research method, and it employs the following data gathering instrument in-depth interviews, FGD, & document analysis. Participants of the study were beneficiaries of Iddir (orphan and their care giver), Iddir members & Iddir committee. The findings of this study showed that Iddir has significant contribution to improve the life orphans and their care givers. The types of care and support provided by Iddir were including financial, material; medical, emotional and psychosocial support. The study also shows that orphans in the area are vulnerable to a range of problems: food insecurity, lack of clothes and feet wears inadequate access to school & school materials, poor health and physical and sexual abuse are the major once in terms of their severity.