This paper utilises data from a study that investigated the efficacy of vocational skills training provided to
orphans from three orphanages in Temeke District, Dar es Salaam. The three orphanage centres that were studied
are Kurasini National Children Home, Saudia and Don Bosco Vocational Centre. The sample comprised of 45
orphans, an official from the Department of Social Welfare in Temeke District, and two officials from the
orphanage centres. Data were collected through interviews, documentary reviews and observations. The type of
actors involved in providing vocational skills training to orphans, type of vocational skills training provided and
the effectiveness of vocational skills training were explored. Vocational skills training that are offered at the
orphanages centres are tailoring, carpentry, masonry, driving, welding and fine and performing arts. However,
despite the fact that many orphans in the selected orphanages had attended the vocational skills training, it was
revealed that the knowledge acquired was of no immediate use. Most of the orphans could not use the acquired
skills to assess jobs or to self employ themselves. The major bottlenecks that tend to affect the quality of
vocational skills offered are: limited capacities of the orphanage centres in terms of qualified personnel,
inadequate equipment and funds. The little funds available seem to compete with other day to day priorities of
managing the centres for example, providing food, medicals and the like.