A big problem in Namibia is the issue of destitute orphans and vulnerable children (OVC),
many of whose parents have died from HIV/AIDS related illnesses. This study sought to
examine the information needs of OVC and their caregivers and their information seeking
strategies in managing the OVC situation in Namibia. Both qualitative and quantitative
survey research methods were employed. Questionnaires were posted to various service
providers, while interviews were conducted with OVC and their caregivers. Focus group
discussions were also used for caregivers and informants in order to collect data on the
respondents’ general attitudes, feelings, beliefs, experiences and reactions. The study
took place in the rural Ohangwena region in January 2009 and urban Khomas region in
April 2009. The preliminary fi ndings indicated that there was a higher school dropout
rate among rural OVC. Both rural and urban OVC expressed the need for fi nancial
assistance or grants, child care support, feeding schemes and health services as their top
priorities. The rural OVC said they required information about school development fund
exemptions, fi nancial assistance or grants, health services, childcare support, and training
opportunities. The urban OVC expressed the same priorities except for counselling, which
was added to their list instead of training opportunities. Both the rural and urban OVC
stated that they consulted relatives, teachers and friends for advice or information, thus
indicating that interpersonal sources of information were the most important source of
information. The study provided useful information for interventions and further research.