Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate risk, protective factors and resilience among orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) in Ethiopia. Two hundred eighty two orphan and vulnerable children were randomly selected from. Data were collected by using self report questionnaire. The results show that most orphans and vulnerable children faced family, school and community related risks factors. Sizeable number orphan and vulnerable children faced community related problems including negative discrimination rejection and social isolation, social or cultural. However most of them failed to use protective factors to buffer these risks. Consequently, most OVC were found to be less resilient.
Key words: risks, protective factors, resilience, orphan and vulnerable children.