An assessment of the socioeconomic
determinants for the rising numbers of street children in Debreberhan
town ( A case of kebele 02)
College of social science and
humanities
Department of Sociology
Principal investigators
ID NO
1.Wendesen
Feke.........................................................................SSHR/049/06
2.Tesfahun
Belete.........................................................................SSHR/044/06
3.Shamawork
Zewdu.....................................................................SSHR/041/06
4.Sewnet
Gedefaw........................................................................SSHR/040/06
5.Mekonnen
Dare.........................................................................SSHR/036/06
6.Alem
Mamusha.........................................................................SSHR/002/06
A senior essay research paper
submitted to college of social science and humanities for the partial
fulfillment of bachelor (BA) degree in Sociology
Advisor: Zelalem Bereket ( MA )
June,
2016
Debreberhan
, Ethiopia
Table
of contents
Titles
Page
Acknowledgment
.........................................................................................
Acronyms and
abbreviations
.....................................................................
Abstract.....................................................................................................
CHAPTER
ONE
1.
Introduction.............................................................................................
1.1
Background of the
study...................................................................
1.2
Statement of the
Problem................................................................
1.3
Objectives of the
Study..................................................................
1.3.1
General
Objective......................................................................
1.3.2
Specific
objectives......................................................................
1.4
Delimitation of the study
.....................................................................
1.5
Significance of the
study..................................................................
CHAPTER
TWO
2.
Review related Literature
.................................................................
2.1
Definition of street
children..........................................................
2.2 Types
of street
children................................................................
2.3
Social determinants and street
children...........................................
2.4
Economic determinants and street
children...................................
2.5
Conceptual Frame
work...............................................................
2.6
Theoretical
framework...............................................................
CHAPTER
THREE
3.
Methodology of the study
.....................................................
3.1 Study
Design.................................................................................
3.2
Variables of the
study......................................................................
3.3 Study
area....................................................................................
3.4 Source
population....................................................................
3.5 Study
population............................................................................
3.6 Sample
size Determination and sampling techniques.........................
3.6.1
Sample size
Determination...............................................................
3.6.2
Sampling
techniques....................................................................
3.7 Data
collection
instruments.............................................................
3.7.1
Primary Data collection Instruments
..................................
3.7.2
Secondary data collection
instruments.............................................
3.8 Method
of Data
Analysis.................................................................
3.9 Ethical
Considerations......................................................................
CHAPTER
FOUR
4.1
Characteristics of
respondents.......................................................................
4.1.1Socio-economic
characteristics of
respondents...........................................
CHPTER
FIVE
CHAPTER
SIX
6. Summary
, conclusion and
recommendation.......................................
6.1
Summary.......................................................................................
6.2
Conclusion.....................................................................................
6.3
Recommendation...............................................................................
Appendix
I..................................................................................................
Appendix
II...................................................................................................
Appendix
III...................................................................................................
References.................................................................................................
List
of tables
Table 1: Distribution
of respondents by sex
Table 2:
Distribution
of respondents by age
Table 3: Distribution
of respondents by religious background
Table 4: Distribution
of respondents by place of birth
Table 5: The
respondent's response whether they have parents
Table 6:
The
response of respondents living with their parents whether their
parents are
educated
Table 7: Whom do you live with ?
Table 8: Question
whether parents of respondents live together
Table 9: Reason
why not parents of respondents live together
Table
10: Occupational
Distribution of the Respondent’s Family
Table
11: Distribution
of respondent’s parents/ guardians by income
Table
12: Question
whether parents encourage their children
Table 13: Question
why parents or guardians motivate their kids/ children to work on
streets
Table 14: Question
on where respondents sleep after a night come
Table 15: Table
15: children attending school
Table 16: Grade
level of respondents
Table 17: Reason
for not attending school
Table 18: Question
on the number of respondent’s siblings
Table 19:
Whom
did you live with before you join street life?
Table 20: Respondent’s
response on their challenges before they join street life
Table 21: Question
on the everyday phenomenon in respondent’s home before they come
to streets
Table 22: The
usual phenomena in respondent's home
Table 23: How
many times did you eat?
Acronyms and
abbreviations
AIO...............................................Amnesty
international organization
CSC..............................................children
service council
FGD..............................................focus
group discussion
HIV/AIDS.....................................human
immune virus
NGOs............................................nongovernmental
organizations
UNICEF........................................united
nation international children's emergenc
Acknowledgement
First and for most, we would like
to thank our advisor Zelalem Bereket who advise and gave us a number
of comments from the beginning to the end of this research proposal
work.
Secondly, we want to express our
deepest gratitude for our respective families for their moral and
financial support.
Finally ,we offer our regards for
those individuals who helped us in many ways.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to
assess the socio-economic determinants for the rising number of
street children in North Shewa zone of Amhara region in Debreberhan
town specifically in kebele 02 due to time constraints and financial
issues.
The study was conducted through
cross sectional study design by using both qualitative and
quantitative methods to collect relevant information. The study
employed both probability and non probability sampling techniques to
select the respondents and informants of the research. For
probability sampling, simple random sampling technique used with
lottery method. The non probability sampling technique on the other
hand served as a means to choose or select the key informants with
judgmental or purposive method.
In collecting relevant data from
primary sources questionnaires, interviews , case study, and FGD were
used. The questionnaires helped the researchers to ask open ended
and close ended questions to the respondents. Interview, case study
and FGD were used to get more information that cannot be addressed by
questionnaires. The study also used secondary data from different
sources.
Finally, the researchers
summarized and concluded the study and provide possible suggestions
and recommendations for an intensive promotional activity on reducing
the number of children living on the street and thereby to make
them active citizen of the country.
Key words: Street
children, Poverty; Family breakdown /Dysfunction
1. Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
The concept of street children
refers to all boys and girls below the age of 18 years, for whom the
street in the widest sense of the word, including unoccupied
dwellings and wastelands, more than their family, has become his or
her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood, and who is
inadequately protected, supervised, or directed by responsible adult
(Black,
1992).Street child
is a term for a homeless child residing primarily in the streets of a
city (typically in a developing country). The exact definition of a
street child is debatable due to the lack of precise categories. The
term has largely been used in reference to children who live entirely
in the streets, without adult supervision or care (Ayuku
2004).
They are often
subjected to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or, in extreme cases,
murder by clean up squads hired by local businesses or police. In
Western society, such children are commonly treated as homeless
children as opposed to criminals or solicitors.
There are an estimated 150 million
street children in the world, and the numbers are increasing across
the African continent (Kilbride2000). By 1992, the OAU estimated that
Africa had about 16 million street children. This figure was expected
to double to 32 million by the year 2000. Within the same period, the
number of Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances (CEDCs) was
expected to increase from 80 million to 150 million
(OAU-UNICEF, 1992).
This increase is
apparently due to the rapid growth in the estimated number of working
and street children in some African countries.
A study conducted for UNICEF
between 1991 and 1994 in Zambia; found that the number of street
children doubled from 35,000 to 70,000. In Nairobi, Kenya, the figure
rose from 4,500 to 30,000 between 1990 and 1994 (Kanji,
1996). The street
children in are not a new phenomenon although they were first
recorded in 1989. Ethiopia is also the home of many street children
whose number is growing rapidly from time to time (Dr.Kirui
Kipyegon 2015).
Studies demonstrated that one of
the major social problems encountered by different nations worldwide
is that of homeless or street children. Aside from some aspects of
poverty such as inadequate education, nutrition, and medical care,
homelessness is also visible. On the streets of urban shopping
districts, homeless adults and especially children flock the area.
However, the visibility of their plight has yet to evoke
a comprehensive
public policy response in many countries.
The street children phenomenon is
an everyday social reality in many countries as far apart as Brazil
in Latin America, Nigeria in West Africa and the Philippines in Asia.
The situation demonstrates the paradox of horrible
poverty in the
midst of modern urban development and affluence. Moreover, prevalent
and persistent is the problem that Gichuru (1993:2) has observed
regarding children living on the streets in cities. The author
observes that street children are distinctive urban feature as old as
the cities themselves.
To provide a brief background, a
street child is any child that works and lives on the street. They
are highly mobile like a modern day nomad and they can alternate
between living on the streets and living with family members. Studies
found that children who usually reside in the street were involved in
begging, hawking, prostitution, and theft. These activities provide
them money for daily needs.
The reality is that millions of
children around the world live in the street and only few people and
organizations are doing something about it. This lukewarm, or rather,
passive response to the problem of street children is a trend that
needs attention. This means that although poverty remains a constant
issue to solve, specific type of poverty such as homelessness is yet
to capture attention.
The United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF) and some international non-government associations (NGOs)
have attempted in their different ways to provide support for street
children worldwide. Individual countries have themselves made
attempts to tackle the problem locally. Kenya is a case in point,
according to the country’s newspaper, Daily Nation (15 January
2000); the government since 1994 has participated in workshops to
address the plight of street children known as the Forum. The paper
further states that the Forum was the initiative of the African
Network for the protection and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
It also aimed at identifying the solutions that would help eradicate
the problem on street children.
However, as the number of street
children keeps growing in individual countries as pointed out above,
it is clear that the responses of international NGOs and individual
countries are far from being adequate. Apparently, organizations need
to exert more efforts to ensure the involvement of every individual,
family, group, and community in solving the problem.
Street children in Africa are
recent development although its root originated from colonialism in
the early 20 th century. For instance, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,
there were approximately 200 and 300 street children recorded in
1991, and in 1995 there were 3,500 street children recorded
(Bamurange, 1998: 230). In Khartoum Sudan, the street children are
limited to a few boys only in 1984, but by 1990, the so-called
"street boys were a predictable part of the urban landscape"
(Dodge & Raundalen 1991:40). In South Africa, all street children
are noted to be African origin, with no white children on the
streets, this incidents is considered a fact reflective of South
Africa's past of racial segregation and apartheid (Le Roux, 1996).
Another example is street children
phenomenon in Kenya. While in 1969 Kenya had only a few hundred
parking boys or male street children, today, there are an estimated
10,000 to 30,000 both male and female street children in Nairobi.
Throughout Africa, street boys greatly outnumber street girls. The
reason is that girls are supposed to stay home to care for children
in South Africa (Le Roux, 1996). In Khartoum and Maputo, Mozambique,
girls reside in homes as servants subject for punishment if they move
to the streets (Dodge & Rundle, 1991).
Similarly, the same situation has
been experienced in Sierra Leone. The number of street children has
increased geometrically, from 10,000 in 1990 to about 200,000 in 1998
(Social Welfare Ministry). Estimates indicate that by the year 2008
the number of street children in the country will double if adequate
measures are not put in place to address the problem. It should be
borne in mind that the eight years of civil war has caused untold
suffering to many children in Sierra Leone, dragging them to the
streets of Freetown and elsewhere in the country. The consequences of
this war have been devastating.
Women and children who
constituted the vulnerable group bore the brunt
of the atrocities
committed by the
rebels. There were gross violations of children’s rights, ranging
from abductions, multiple rape, amputation,
slavery, exploitation, forced recruitments and drug addiction and the
destruction of a significant portion of natural infrastructure.
Despite the fact that the United Nations convention on the right of
the child, stresses the need for every child to have access to
shelter, food, clothing and education, this has not been the case for
many children in Sierra Leone.
There are specific macro causes
that are associated with a dramatic rise in Africa's street children,
along with the poverty of global economic and structural adjustment
forces mentioned above. These factors include civil war and famine
such as in Mozambique, Ethiopia and Sudan, (Dodge & Raundalen,
1991), children soldiers and acute immunity deficiency, family
dysfunction , child abuse ( sexual, physical or verbal), family
discord and separation , family size, sickness (AIDS) in Uganda,
(Dodge & Rwanda, 1991), and apartheid in South Africa (Le Roux
1996). Recent statistics published by UNICEF indicate that in Africa
alone, five million children live in the street or outside the normal
family home.
The figures are alarming, this
implies that homelessness have not received the attention they
deserve with a view to combating the child poverty and misery they
represent. This lack of urgency may be attributed to the fact that
many of the countries in which the street children phenomenon is one
of the countries’ cultural landscape rather than being a major
social problem needing immediate attention and concrete solutions.
Other problems aside from poverty
of the street children exist such as physical abuse from police
officers. Some government forces tend to treat street children like
criminals. In reality, most people conceive street children as
problems rather than problematic individuals who need help and
protection. Since the 1980s, a lethal combination of circumstances
has emerged that severely threatens the next generation of African
children. Other problems such as ethnic violence, AIDS, external
indebtedness,corruption, mismanagement, educational decline, and
overpopulation are the conditions that harm these street children.
Children in every nation are the
future leaders and therefore needs protection by their families and
their countries. This study of the street children phenomenon in five
major towns in Sierra Leone is intended as a contribution, however
modest this may be, towards understanding the predicament of the
city’s unfortunate children. The investigation involves a
comparative study on children living in the street or outside normal
family homes and children enjoying the benefits of living in such
family homes.
1.2 Statement of the problem
The number
of street children worldwide is estimated to be 150 million (Mafuba
1994:5), which clearly points to the enormity
of the problems of poverty and deprivation besetting
the countries in which these children live. They live in situations
that put them at risk of exploitation, abuse, and discrimination. The
most marginalized children, those who often experience human rights
abuses, are highly in need of special protection to promote their
physical, mental, spiritual, moral, and social development.
Most urban centers in Africa
continent are struggling with an upsurge
in the number of
street families which have become a common phenomenon and a menace
in the centers . The high concentration of street children in
African countries is primarily caused by socio-economic problems such
as poverty, family related causes and other factors.
In Ethiopia the number of street
children seems to increase at an alarming rate despite the efforts of
the government to rid them from the streets and rehabilitate them.
These children live in the street because of poverty and negligence
of their communities and countries do not go to school, often because
they have to work. Moreover, they do not have nutritious food or
quality health care. Instead their lives have been devastated by HIV/
AIDS and other related serious problems.
A 1993 study estimated the number
of street children in Addis Ababa alone to be 40,000, of which
approximately 10,000 are children working and living in the streets
with no care or support. The remaining 75% or 30,000 are children on
the streets who earn their living in the streets and go home to their
families, relatives or friends. The majority of these children are
living in conditions of severe deprivation which place them at both
physical and psychological risk. Inadequate nutrition, long working
hours and exposure to aversive weather conditions and physical abuse
while on the street, endanger their development. The severity of the
harsh living conditions is often amplified for young girls who face
sexual abuse by adults , rape, unwanted pregnancy and early
motherhood.
The combination of poverty and
strong work requirements for children make a conducive environment
for the economic exploitation of Ethiopian children. . Different
groups of children are observed on the streets of Addis and other
major cities. These include those who beg from pedestrians
and drivers on
sidewalks
and at traffic
lights: those who sit in the corners or walk on the streets
undertaking different types of jobs such as shoe shinning, street
vending, providing change to taxi drivers, selling
snacks, washing and
watching cars, and carrying goods.
Depending on the kind of jobs
available in the city, children also engage in other types of jobs.
For example, in Nazareth there are several warehouses where haricot
beans and wild gum
are stored for future export. In those areas where the warehouses are
found many children, along with their parents, are engaged in
chaffing
and sorting
the export items.
Similarly, in Hawassa there are a lot of children engaged in fish
cleaning on the shore
of Lake Hawassa.
In addition to children who are
working on the streets and other open and visible areas a significant
number of children, especially females work as domestics.
Though Ethiopia has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the
Child, the problem of children is widely observed. This might be
related to several factors like culture, level of economic
development and modernization.
These children have
responsibilities to support families as well as take care of
themselves. They work for long hours in increment weather without
opportunities to fully participate in their rights to education,
heath care, play and recreation, and especially the right to be
protected from economic exploitation.
They are the most vulnerable
segment of population. Many children drop out of school because
they have to support themselves and their families. For some, the
peak
time for
their work overlaps with school
time. Others can not afford paying school fees, and buying school
supplies and uniforms. Children working on the streets, such as
peddlers
and shoe shiners, complain about the rough weather. Mornings and the
rainy season are extremely cold. The heat during the afternoons and
dry season is equally troublesome. Since they do not have sufficient
and proper clothing to suit the weather.
They are often abused by older
children and street gangs, their money
snatched, and goods
stolen. After staying out on the streets for the whole day the
children’s earning is very minimal. Their earning ranges between
Birr 1 to Birr 10 per a day. Domestics are paid monthly and the
minimum pay is within the range of Birr 10 and 20 per a month. The
children do not get sufficient and well-balanced diets. There are
many that do not get 3 meals per a day. Some have to share a meal
between two. Many complain about health problems such as headaches,
kidney problems, malaria, and blood pressure for which they never get
treatment.
Aside from physical problems
children have various worries and concerns. Some of the reasons for
their worries are: the feeling of insecurity emanating from not
making sufficient money, not being educated and the prospect of
unemployment , bleak futures, the feeling of not make enough money
to feed themselves and their families, and a parent or parents’
health.
In Ethiopia, children working on
the streets are not typically classified as the worst forms of
children's problems. Nonetheless, the problem of streetism is growing
considerably in the country. Simultaneously, the extent of child
labor is increasing due to poverty and social, economic, and
political crises. Children between the age of 9 and 13 and even
younger are engaged in different economic activities on the street.
These children have health problems for which they did not get
treatment. They are abused and threatened by older children. They are
exploited and underpaid.
They feel insecure and have worries about several things in their
lives. And finally, school has become either a
fantasy or an
infrequent pastime when there is enough time and/or money.
These circumstances indicate that
streetism is highly increasing at alarming rate in the country in
which it may devastate the country's overall development endeavors by
hampering the future young population unless proper attention in
advance is given. the health, safety or morals of the children.
Charitable institutions and
community based organizations have continued to partner with
government to improve the livelihood of street families and relocate
them .In spite of these concerted efforts the number of street
children is on the rise in most urban centers in Ethiopia.
Addressing the problem of street
children is vital because the development of Ethiopia maybe hampered
if many of the children continue to be subject to negligence, thus
allowed to live in the streets. It is important therefore, to address
and monitor the problem of street children in order to find solution
to the problems.
When come to the specific area,
there are a number of street children in Debreberhan town who earns
their living from the streets. Debreberhan is becoming among the
fastest towns in Ethiopia with huge number of street children. Many
street children in the town have no shelters to live in. They wander
around the street ,market place ,bus stations and churches in
search of their daily food or money to secure basic needs. When night
comes, they start to come together at the street corners with the
exception of those who are at home with their family or guardian. At
this time ,they face tremendous problems since they are forced to
stay in shelters which do not protect them from any possible dangers
on their lives. Nevertheless, social services geared towards
alleviating the plight of these street children are still
non-existent.
Previous researches have been
conducted in Ethiopia by UNICEF, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Kenya
focusing on the general situation and general factors associated
with street children. The researches exclusively emphasize the
phenomena of poverty as primary cause at a macro level of analysis.
They do not give deep focus about other social factors such as
family related causes.. Therefore, this study was conducted to fill
the above gap by assessing and providing a macro and most
importantly micro analysis on the socio-economic determinants for the
rising number of street children. Having this in mind, the
researchers assess the socio economic determinants which contribute
for the rising number of street children in Debrebrehan town then
give recommendation on how these children live should better off by
the effort of concerned body.
1.3 Objective of the study
The study has both General and
specific objectives.
1.3.1 General objective
The overarching objective of the
study is to assess
the socio
economic determinants
for the
rising number of street children in Debrebrehan town (case of kebele
02).
1.3.2 Specific objectives of
the study
- To examine the major social determinants for the rising number of street children
- To identify the economic determinants for the rising number of street children
- To assess the challenges that the street children faces
- To look at the variables that contribute for the rising number of street children
Based on this, the study answered
the following questions.
- What are determinants for the rising number of street children?
- What are the challenges street children faces?
1.4 Significance of the study
This study was designed to asses the socio-economic determinants for
the rising number of street children .Thus,
it will inspire the town communities, NGO's and other concerned
bodies to understand and overcome the problem of street children
thereby to keep these children in a good manner by showing the
appropriate measures that should be taken to prevent or reduce the
harsh effects and socio economic determinants for the rising number
of street children in the town.
It will be
used as a baseline or benchmark for the forthcoming researchers who
want to do further study on this topic or other related studies. The
study will also be useful in providing information about the problems
of street children in the town and gives possible recommendations, so
it can be improved by the effort of concerned body.
1.5 Delimitation of the study
With regard to its geographical
scope the study was delimited and bordered on the inhabitants of
North Shewa zone of Debre berhan town specifically in kebele 02. The
study includes both male and female Street children ranging from age
of five to seventeen. The reason for selecting this age cohort is
that children begin to live on the street at the age of five. The
upper age limit for this study is seventeen because in Ethiopia
children are included in this category. Anyone whose age is eighteen
cannot be considered as a child rather he / she is belonging to youth
category. The study comprised both “on and of street children”
found in Debre berhan town particularly in kebele 02. It was
confined to assess the socio economic determinants for the rising
number of street children in Debre berhan town particularly in
kebele 02.
Figure 1: Map of Debre berhan town
1.6 Organization of the paper
This paper
has six chapters arranged in their logical order. The first chapter
comprise introductory part including statement of the problem ,
research question , objective of the study , significance of the
study, delimitation of the study , limitation of the study and
operational
definition of the terms.
The second
chapter deals with review of related literature including definition
of street children, types of street children, the socioeconomic
determinants for the rising number of street children, conceptual
and theoretical framework.
The third
chapter deals with the general methodology of the study, study
design , study area, source of population , study population ,
determining sample size, data collection instruments/ tools, methods
of data analysis and ethical consideration.
The fourth
chapter deals with characteristics of the respondents. It describes
the situation of street children in detail.
The fifth
chapter describes about data analysis and discussion based on the
findings gained through questionnaire, interview, case study and FGD.
The last chapter, chapter six
presents short summary, conclusions,and possible recommendations.
Chapter
two
2.
Review of related literature
This chapter contains review of
the literature either directly or indirectly related to the study.
The literature review focus on what researchers, scholars and
educationists have found out and said about the general meaning of
street children, types of street children
factors for the rapid increase of
street children in developed countries, third world countries and
Ethiopia in particular. The literature describes definition of street
children , types of street children and examines the social and
economic determinants influencing the increase in the number of
street children. Conceptual and theoretical frameworks are also
included in this chapter.
2.1 Definition of Street
Children
The most common definition of a
street child or youth is “any girl or boy who has not reached
adulthood, for whom the street (in the broadest sense of the word,
including unoccupied dwellings, wasteland, etc.) has become her or
his habitual abode
and/or sources of
livelihood, and who is inadequately protected, supervised or directed
by responsible adults (UNICEF, 2005).
2.2 Types of street children
UNICEF as quoted in Mexico Child
Link Trust has defined three
types of street
children:
Street Living Children:
children who ran away from their families and live alone on the
streets.
Street Working Children:
children who spend most
of their time on the streets, fending for themselves, but returning
home on a regular basis.
Children
from Street families:
children who live on the streets with their families.
Amnesty international organization
(AIO) has identified two types of street children:
Children on the street:
Children on the street are those engaged in some kind of
economic activity ranging from begging to vending of
manufactured commodities of food. Most go home at the end
of the day and contribute part of their earnings for the
economic survival of the family unit. They may be attending
school and retain a sense of belonging to a family or
household. Because of the economic fragility of their
families, these children may eventually opt for a permanent
life on the street.
Children of the street:
Children of the street actually live on the street. Family
ties may exist but are tenuous and maintained only casually
or occasionally. Most of these children have no permanent
residence and move
from place to place and from town to town.
2.3 Social determinants and
street children
After interviewing 1,000 children
on the streets in Bombay, Patel Proclaimed that the major reason for
street children was not poverty but family violence. Another Indian
study, one of child porters (children under age 14 working and living
without family support), showed that although poverty was a
significant aspect of the children being on the streets, family
breakdown/ dysfunction
was the major
problem (Subrahmanyarn & Sondhi, 1990).
Many parents do not feel obliged
to take care of their children because they believe “someone else”
should assist them because they could not help themselves or their
children.
Many children have reported that
they flee their homes and go to the streets because of sexual abuse
or other forms of violence such as frequent beatings. There is such
taboo on these issues in Zimbabwe that few children are willing to
discuss them and even fewer to acknowledge that they were victims of
domestic or sexual abuse.
Parental neglect not only causes
children to drop out of school, but it also makes them realize early
on that they have to fend for themselves (Subrahmanyarn & Sondhi,
1990). Many parents directly or indirectly put pressure on their
children to leave their homes temporarily for the streets. In some
cases, it is because parents were genuinely unable to care for their
children; in other cases because of the strain of caring for their
numerous offspring is too great; yet in others it is because parents
believe that a better future awaited their children on the streets
(Subrahmanyarn & Sondhi, 1990).
To see in detail, the social
factors or determinants influencing for the rising number of street
children can be explained as follows.
2.3.1 Family size
Researchers demonstrated that
beside poverty, family size can also influence the rising number of
street children since parents can not able to manage the demands of
large size family. Thus the fate of children is just go out and
accustomed with street life.
2.3.2 Family conditions
A growing number of children who
have either lost one or both the parents and those impacted by
HIV/ADIS in the family, are forced to work on the streets in order to
support themselves and their siblings. According to Vandenberg many
orphaned children are increasing particularly in sub Saharan Africa
mainly caused by death of their parents, separation of the spouses
and other related factors. The rising number of
orphan children in turn
contributes for the increasing of street children.
2.3.3 Traditional or cultural
factors
Culture is another factor which is
driving children to engage in some kind of economic activity on the
streets . Different cultures of many societies make children their
children start work at very young age which are related to traditions
and cultural factors. They assumed that children need to learn skills
that can be good for their future. According to Tauson (2009) parents
prefer their children to work because they consider it beneficial for
them as they learn work skills. In order to do so children are
encouraged to sell and beg many products at the corner of streets
thereby they learn on how they can earn a living in times of acute
economic crisis. In other words children at their early age begin to
socialize street life mostly caused by their own parents pressure.
They see street life as normal even though a lot of sufferings they
encounter. This tradition transcend/ transmit across generation and
contribute for the high conglomeration or concentration of children
living on the street.
In addition to the aforementioned
factors, some writers and researchers asserted that overcrowding in
homes is found to be major contributory factor to children finding
them selves on the street.
In the report of the Simukai and
Thuthuka Street Children’s Pro grammes( 2001) they acknowledged
that children who leave their homes for reasons other than economic
pressure tend to be more difficult to rehabilitate than those forced
on to the streets by poverty. Those who are on the streets for
reasons related to poverty are easier to reform as once their basic
needs are met, their main problems are over.
2.4 Economic determinants and
Street Children
Many authors believe that most
children in the developing world are in the streets because of
poverty. Lusk,
who has studied street children in Juarez and Rio de Janeiro as well
as in the countries of Colombia, Peru, and the Dominican Republic,
refuted the abusive or neglectful family theory by showing that in
"interviews with hundreds of street children in Latin America
over the past five years, one theme has been repeated countless
times: they are on the streets to work and earn money
because there is not
enough at home.
Rosa, de Sousa, and Ebrahim (1992)
obtained physical and mental health data and tested 80 Brazilian
street children from 9 to 18 years of age. They found that
82% of the children
left home for economic
reasons. Once on the
streets, the children contributed half or more of what they earned to
their families hardly a sign of family discord. In a study of 55
Nigerian street children under age 15 who were begging for a living,
Ojanuga (1990) found that the children were on the-streets because
their families were poor
and needed the money
they earned. Indeed, 80% of children still lived with their families,
and many of the children begged with them.
Other Studies have also
demonstrated that the most notable reason is poverty (Bhat&
Rather,2009). If the family live below the poverty line, children are
forced to wander around the street at least to meet their daily
needs. Basu in 1998 has demonstrated that Some children contribute
even for the survival of their families by begging and selling
different products for others across the streets. He showed that low
family income is the major causes for the mushrooming of street
children on the street. Due to their low economic status parents
cannot afford schooling for their children. Thus street becomes the
home of these children thereby many of them become vulnerable to
spontaneous and unprecedented threats or dangers.
Rena (2009) shows that poverty and
underdevelopment drives children to live on the street. She found
that the high prevalence of poverty amongst countries, including
India, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Guinea, Ethiopia, Uganda,
Mozambique, Malawi, Sudan, and Chad increases the number of street
children at alarming rate. Therefore, street children is widespread
throughout Africa and Asia.
According to the studies of
Edmonds and Pavcnik (2005); O'Donnell et al. (2005) and Akarro and
Mtweve (2011) they assume that tackling poverty can be a perfect
solution to reduce the number of street children.
2.5 Conceptual frame work
The study was conducted based on
the following conceptual framework that shows the socio economic
determinants ( independent variables ) and the rising number of
street children( dependent variable).
Independent
variables
Dependent
variables
Social variables
-Family dysfunction
-Family breakdown
-
urbanization and overcrowding houses
Economic
variables
-
poverty
-
Income level
-
occupational type
Rising
number of street children.
A diagram showing the
relationship between independent and dependent variables
2.6 Theoretical
Framework
The socio-economic factors for the
rising number of street children's can be explained by modernization
theory (Rostow, 1964). According to this theory urban problems are
created by massive influx or migration of people from rural to urban
areas and the accompanying urban population explosion. Accordingly,
the theory attribute rapid industrialization and urbanization as a
primary factor associated with the marked increase in the number of
street children internationally over the past few decades. Several
studies that explored the predictive factors of street children in
Mexico City found that the majority(as many as 75%) of the children
had migrated to the city, either alone or with their families, in
search of jobs and economic opportunities (Peralta, 1995; Sandoval A’
vila, 1999).
In many developing countries
situated in different stages of industrialization, children often
work on the streets because their country’s formal economy is
unable to absorb their labor as well as the labor of their parents.
In the lowest socio-economic stratum, marginalized families are often
excluded from the formal economy, thus seeking employment
opportunities in the informal economy. As an unregulated and often
invisible labor realm, the children of these and other poor families
find fertile ground for precarious employment as well (Filho and
Neder, 2001; Klees et al., 2000). Similarly, migrant families, which
often settle in squatter communities on the outskirts of urban
centers, are also frequently excluded from the formal economy on the
basis of their legal status, educational levels, employment skills
and even ethnicity (Rosemberg, 2000; Sandoval Avila, 1999)
Chapter three:
3. Methodology
3.1 Study design
The study was carried out using
cross sectional study design. It utilized both qualitative and
quantitative methods. The quantitative data collection was conducted
through survey method which means using and collecting relevant
information via questionnaire from the respondents. The qualitative
data collection method, on the other hand, was conducted through case
study and interview from the selected key informants.
3.3 Study area
The study was conducted in North
Shewa zone of Amhara region in Debreberhan town particularly in
kebele 02 due to time constraints and high concentration of street
children in the town. It is a town and woreda in central Ethiopia
,Located in the North Shewa Zone of the Amhara Region, about 120
kilometers North east of Addis Ababa on the paved highway to Dessie,
the town has a latitude and longitude of 9°41′N 39°32′E
Coordinates: 9°41′N 39°32′E and an elevation of 2,840 meter.
Based on the 2007 national census
conducted by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia (CSA), this
town has a total population of 65,231, of whom 31,668 are men and
33,563 women. The majority of the inhabitants practiced Ethiopian
Orthodox Christianity, with 94.12% reporting that as their religion,
while 3.32% of the population said they were Muslim and 2.15% were
Protestants (ibid)
3.4
Source population
- All street
children with in the age category of 5- 17 years in Debre berhan town
of kebele 02 are source population in which the sample is drawn.
3.5 Study
population
- Selected
street children between the age category of 5-17 years that are
residents of kebele 02.
3.6
Sample size
Determination
Sample
size for the questionnaire techniques is carried out using the
following statistical formula.
n
=z................................. but if the population size is
greater than 10,000 we can apply the following formula.
n
= …............................... if the population size is less
than 10,000 individuals we can use the first statistical formula.
Therefore, the appropriate sample size for this proposed study is
determined or calculated by: n =........................... with 95%
confidence interval and 5 % level of precision. Simple random
sampling technique will be utilized in recruiting or choosing
respondents from the total number of target population and
individuals get equal chance to be included in the sample.
Where
n
= sample size
N
= total population
Z
= 1.96 ( with 95 % of confidence interval)
W
= ± 0.05( with 5 % of level of precision or margin of error )
p
=0.5 ( the expected prevalence rate of respondents in the study
area)
3.7
Sampling technique
The researchers used both
probability and non probability sampling techniques to select the
respondents and informants for the study. The respondents were
selected using probability sampling technique through simple random
technique with lottery method. The key informants
were selected through
judgmental or purposive technique (for non probability sampling
technique).
3.6 Data
collection Instruments
3.7.1
Primary data collection Instruments
To collect
relevant data from primary sources questionnaires , interviews , case
study and focus group discussion ( FGD)
will
be used. The questionnaire will be used to collect first hand data
which has both structured and unstructured questions. It will be
filled by the data collectors as the respondents are asked the
questions because the majority of them are assumed illiterate thereby
they may not answer the questions by themselves successfully.
Interview , case study and FGD will be used to get more information
which is not addressed through questionnaire. Face to face interview
will be conducted with key informants who know more about the
problem.
3.7.2
Secondary data collection instruments
Secondary
data will be obtained from different sources such as Internet (from
trusted websites) , books
magazines
and other related literatures done by other individuals.
3.8
Methods of Data analysis
Data
analysis is the process of looking at and summarizing the data with
the aim to extract important or useful information from the developed
questions. The researchers may use both qualitative and quantitative
methods of analysis. Frequency distribution , percentage ,
descriptive statics and chi square test to analyze the data SPSS
version 16.0 will applied. Table and percentage will used to
present quantitative data that can obtain from questionnaire. A
qualitative data will be analyzed in a statement form obtained from
focus group discussion.
3.9
Ethical considerations
As this
study utilized human participants certain issues can be addressed.
The consideration of these issues is very necessary for ensuring the
privacy as well as the security of the participants. These issues
were identified in advance to prevent future problems that can rise
during the research process. Among the significant issues that were
considered included consent, confidentiality and data protection.
Gaining
consent
Securing
permission and gaining the consent of the participants for this study
is an important ethical consideration. In order to do so, the
researcher relayed
the
aims of the research clearly among all selected participants. Each
participants were asked to accomplish a consent form, stating in
detail all the activities involved as well as the purpose of the
study. The reasons why they selected as participants were also stated
so as to enable the selected participants to connect the aims of the
research with that of the participant qualifications.
In the
consent form, the researchers have been discussed in detail all the
treatments or procedures that will be done during the research
process. Building rapport and gaining the trust of the participants
were considered as essential throughout the research process. These
help in ensuring the cooperation and willingness of the participants
to give dependable and sufficient data that is relevant to the study.
Although the
participants initially gave their consent for the research process,
the researcher were provided the assurance that they are allowed to
withdraw from the study even without providing any reason. By giving
this freedom, the participants did not feel forced to participate in
the process. The possible risks that may be included in the research
were discussed to the participants to gain their consent. More
importantly, the methods or mechanisms that are to be used to prevent
these risks have been included. The researchers practiced openness
and honesty all throughout the study to assure the research
respondents that their security and safety is of utmost priority. All
of these factors to gain the consent of the research participants
were discussed in the most comprehensive manner based on their level
of understanding
Confidentiality
The privacy
of the respondents as well as the confidentiality of their responses
were prioritized by the researchers as well. In order to do so, the
names of the participants were kept confidential. The researchers
have sent copy of the research paper to all participants of the study
to emphasize that all information to obtained are accurate and
properly credited. The researchers ensured that all data gathered for
the study are protecting from unauthorized access.
Data
protection
The
researchers protected the data obtained from the research process as
well. In order to do this, the researchers protected all files with
passwords. This prevented unauthorized people from accidentally
accessing the confidential files of the study. The completion of
gathering all data and generating analysis have been stored within
the school or university premises to ensure the security of
transferring data.
The above
research materials that have listed in the table are very essential
to carry out the proposed research. The reason is that with out such
entities the researcher gets difficult to conduct and accomplish his
or her task effectively and efficiently.
Chapter
four: Data analysis
4.1Characteristics
of respondents
4.2
Socio economic characteristics of the respondents
In this section of the study, the
respondents sex, age, religious background, birth place, family
educational status income level and occupational type were dealt.
Table 1: Distribution of
respondents by sex
|
Sex
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Male
|
24
|
66.66%
|
|
Female
|
12
|
35.4%
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
As shows in the above table out of
the total sample size of 36 respondents 24( 66%) were males and 12
(35.4%) were females. In other word, female constitute one-third of
the total sample size of respondents. By
and large,
this gives an indication that the majority of street children are
likely to be mostly males. This is due to the fact that Parents
believed that male children should be stronger and engage in outdoor
activities than female children. They also assume that girls are less
stronger as compared to male children. Consequently female children
are forced to stay in home working domestic chores where as male
children are frequently allowed to engage in some outdoor activities
such as street vending, begging and in some other labor intensive
activities. To speak Sociologically, cultural beliefs and customs
hold by family as an institution is contributory for the number of
male street children to exceed in urban areas.
Table 2: Distribution of
respondents by age
|
Ages
( years)
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
1-4
|
3
|
8.33%
|
|
5-9
|
5
|
13.89
|
|
10-14
|
15
|
41.66%
|
|
15-17
|
13
|
36.11%
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
From the above table we can
observe that out of the total number of 36 respondents 3(8.33%) were
found in the age group of 1-4, 5 (13.89) in the age cohort of 5-9,
15(41-66%) between 10-14 age category and the rest 13 (36.11) were
found between 15- 17 age cohort. The result indicates that children
become vulnerable or susceptible to street life before they reach
their maturity level. It also indicates that majority of street
children were categorized under the age cohort of 10-14 out of the
total number of 36 street children.
Table 3: Distribution of
respondents by religious background
|
Religion
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Orthodox
|
31
|
86.
11%
|
|
Protestant
|
3
|
8.33%
|
|
Catholic
|
1
|
2.78%
|
|
Muslim
|
1
|
2.78%
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
Based on the above table 31
(86.11%) respondents are orthodox Christians, 3 (8.33%) are
Protestants, 1(2.78 %) Catholic and 1(2.78%) are Muslims. It
indicates that the majority of respondents with 86.11% (31) are
believers of orthodox Christianity. This is due to the fact that
above 90% of the source population in which respondents drawn are
followers of orthodox Christianity.
Table 4: Distribution of
respondents by place of birth
|
Place
of birth
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Urban
|
15
|
41.67%
|
|
Rural
|
21
|
58.335
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
As shown in the above table the
majority of respondents (58.33%) are belong to rural areas compared
to those who belong to urban area with 41.67%. This is due to the
fact that children from rural areas are obliged to move to urban
places in search of better living conditions. Yet, they face new
challenges in these new urban areas and they opt to conduct their
life on the streets. Here, we can also clearly understand that
pushing factors in rural areas such as acute food insecurity and some
other family dysfunction and/disorganizations make a number of
children to flee and lead their life in urban streets.
Table 5: The respondents
response whether they have parents
|
Question
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Do
you have parents?
|
Yes
|
13
|
36.11
|
|
|
No
|
23
|
63.89
|
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
As indicated in the above table 23
(63.11%) respondents do not have parents. Only 13( 36.11) respondents
have parents. This indicates that majority of street children were
with out the support of their parents. This children were lost their
mothers and fathers due to HIV/ AIDS and other catastrophes. In other
word, we can say that majority of street children with 63.11% were
orphaned and because of this they opt to conduct their life on urban
streets. In general, we can recognize that family dysfunction is one
of the socio-economic determinants for the rising number of street
children.
Table 6: The response of
respondents living with their parents whether their parents are
educated
|
Question:
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Are
your parents educated?
|
Yes
|
10
|
43.48%
|
|
|
No
|
13
|
56.52%
|
|
|
Total
|
23
|
100%
|
Source: survey through
questionnaire, 2008
As shown in the above table 10
(43.48%) respondents have educated mother and father whereas 13 (56.
52%) parents of respondents are not educated. It entails that the
majority (56.52%) of parents of respondents were not educated.
Children of uneducated parents are more likely vulnerable to street
life than those who are from educated one since those who are not
educated push their children to work on the streets with out
considering the latter impact it would bring on their kids/ children.
To sum, education as one social institution has correlation with the
rising number of street children in urban areas..
Table 7: Whom do you live
with?
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
I
live alone
|
11
|
47.82%
|
|
With
my guardians
|
7
|
30.44%
|
|
With
my relatives
|
2
|
8.7%
|
|
With
my friends
|
3
|
13.04%
|
|
Total
|
23
|
100%
|
The data presented in the above
table shows that about 11(47.82%) of the respondents live alone, 7
(30.44%) with their guardians, 2( 8.7%) with their relatives and 3 (
4.35%) with their friends. The figure in the above table show that
majority of street children live alone. The data also explicitly
indicate that many young children (30.44%) live with their
caregivers/ guardians that exacerbate the life of street children by
making them to have more prone to street life.
Table 8: Question whether
parents of respondents live together
|
Question
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Are
your parents living together?
|
Yes
|
5
|
38.
47%
|
|
|
No
|
8
|
61.53%
|
|
|
Total
|
13
|
100%
|
Source: survey
through questionnaire, 2008
The above table clearly show that
only 5 (38.47%) mothers and fathers of respondents live together. It
indicates that majority ( 61.53) parents of street children are not
living together. The reason is presented in table 9 below.
Table 9: Reason why not parents
of respondents live together
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
They
have separated/divorced
|
11
|
84.61%
|
|
They
are working in other area
|
2
|
15.39%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
Based on the above table about 11(
84.61%) parents of the respondents were divorced, 2( 15.39%) are
working in other places/ areas. It indicates that majority (84.61%)
of parents of street children are not living together since they are
divorced. Because of this fact children are not supervised and
treated by their parents. Consequently, these young children become
susceptible
to reprehensible
street life. Then,
we can conclude that divorce has correlation with the increase in the
number of street children.
Table 10: Occupational
Distribution of the Respondent’s Family
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Farmers
|
3
|
23.07
|
|
Wage
laborers
|
8
|
61.53%
|
|
Petty
traders
|
1
|
7.7%
|
|
Civil
servants
|
1
|
7.7%
|
|
Total
|
13
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
Concerning the occupational
distribution of the parents of the thirty thirteen street children
that is presented in the above table indicate that 3( 23.07%) were
farmers 8 ( 61.53%) wage laborers , 1 ( 7.7%) petty traders and 1(
7.7%) were government employees in which parents of the street
children are engaged are of very low economic return. It also
indicate that majority of respondent's parents are wage laborers.
Here we can also clearly understand that the income generated from
these occupations is not sufficient to support the family. Due to
this reason , children belonging to such families are forced to join
the streets in order to contribute to the family income. In general,
occupational type of parents of children is one of the socio-economic
determinants for the increase in the number of street children in
urban areas.
Table 11: Distribution of
respondent’s parents/ guardians by income
|
Income
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
350-400
|
29
|
80.56%
|
|
400-600
|
3
|
8.33%
|
|
600-1000
|
2
|
5.55%
|
|
1000-1500
|
1
|
2.78%
|
|
>1500
|
1
|
2.78%
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
The data in the above table show
that 29 (80.56%) of parents/ guardians of respondents earn income
between 350- 400, 3 (8.33%) of them between 400-600, 2 (5.55%) of
them get income between 600-1000, 1 (2.78%) of them gain income
between 1000- 1500 and the remaining 2, 78% of parents /guardians of
children obtain income greater than 1500. About 80.56 % of the
families earn below theminimum wages (below
Birr 150/month) of the country.
In general, most of parents/ guardians income level is very low. In
other word the lower the income parents of respondents had the higher
their children become vulnerable to comprehensible street life. This
reflects the fact that poverty contributes to theroot cause of the
problem of street children.
Table 12: Question whether
parents encourage their children
|
Question
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of
respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Do
your parents encourage you to work on streets?
|
Yes
|
32
|
88.99%
|
|
|
No
|
4
|
11.11%
|
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
As clearly observed in the above
table 32(88.99%) parents of respondents encourage their children to
work on the streets in order to support the family. Only 4 ( 11.11%)
of parents of respondents do not encourage their kids to engage in
economic activities on the streets. It indicates that majority of
children ( 88.99) were motivated by their own parents to do some
economic activities such as street vending and begging. This
reflects the fact that parental attitude towards their children have
an implication for the rising number of street children.
Table 13: Question why parents
or guardians motivate their kids/ children to work on streets
|
Question
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of
respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Why
your parents or guardians motivate you to work on street?
|
Because
they don’t have adequate income
|
27
|
75%
|
|
|
Because
they think that the work helps me to be stronger and self
sufficient
|
2
|
5.55%
|
|
|
Because
they are physically disable
|
4
|
11.11%
|
|
|
Because
they are living with HIV/ AIDS
|
3
|
8.33%
|
|
|
Total
|
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
Based
on the above table 27(%)
were encouraged by their parents to engage in some economic
activities because their parents do not have sufficient income, 2(
%), because their parents think that the work helps their children to
be self sufficient, 4 ( %) since their parents are physically disable
and 3( %) of them are also encouraged to do so because their parents
are living with HIV/AIDS. The data indicates that above 70 % of the
respondent's parents motivate their children for economic reason
which stands first as a cause for streetism. Parent's vulnerability
to disability and HIV/AIDS are also the possible socio-economic
determinants for the rising number of street children.
Table 14: Where the street
children slept
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
In
my home with my parents
|
6
|
16.67
|
|
On
the streets
|
19
|
52.78
|
|
Near
veranda
|
4
|
11.11
|
|
Around
churches and mosques
|
7
|
19.44
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
As can be seen in the above table
14, 6 ( 16.67%) of respondents sleep in their home with their
parents, 19( 52.78%) on the streets, 4( 11.11%) near veranda and 7(
19.44%) of them around churches and mosques. The majority of street
children sleep on the streets with 52.78 % followed by those children
slept around churches and mosques. Those children slept at the
corner of the streets either individually or in group are susceptible
to variety of dangers such as cold weather, car accident, animal
biting and some other accidents. This is because children chose
the street when home conditions were no longer supportive due to the
death of a parentor guardian or due to increasing poverty. Also those
children slept near veranda experience walloping from somebody else.
Therefore, they choose to sleep on the streets which contribute for
their number to exceed.
Table 15: children attending
school
|
Attending
school
|
Number
of respondents
|
In
percentage
|
|
Yes
|
8
|
22.22%
|
|
No
|
28
|
77.78%
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
As shown in the above table the
majority of respondents (77.78%) are not attending school. Only
22.22% are attending school. The reason for children who are not
attending
school is presented in table 17.
Table 16: Grade level of
respondents
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Elementary
school
|
4
|
50%
|
|
Secondary
|
2
|
25%
|
|
Preparatory
|
2
|
25%
|
|
Total
|
8
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
Concerning the educational level
of respondents 4(50%) of them are attending primary school, 2 (25%)
of respondents are attending secondary and preparatory school. The
majority ( 50%) of street children are pupils of elementary
school.By and large education has correlation with the rising number
of street children.
Table 17: Reason for not
attending school
|
Reasons
|
Number
of
respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Financial
shortcoming
|
19
|
67.86%
|
|
Lack
of awareness
|
3
|
10.71%%
|
|
Disapproval
by my parents
|
4
|
14.29%
|
|
Non
availability of school a nearby my home
|
2
|
7.14%
|
|
Total
|
28
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
Table 17 depicts that 19 ( 67.86%)
of the respondents are not attending their school owing to financial
or economic problem, 3 ( 10.71%) due to lack of awareness, 4( 14.29%)
as a result of disapproval by their parents and 2 ( 7.714%) for non
availability of school a nearby their homes. It shows that majority
of children are not attending their school for financial or economic
reason. In general, we can conclude that economic problem is the
leading factor street children to attend their school thereby it
contributes a lot for the rising of number of street children.
4.2 Information about children
before they come to street life
Table 18: Question on the
number of respondent’s siblings
|
Question
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of
respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
How
many siblings did you have before you come to streets?
|
1
|
1
|
2.78
|
|
|
2
|
3
|
8.33%
|
|
|
3
|
4
|
11.11%
|
|
|
4
|
7
|
19.44%
|
|
|
5
|
9
|
25%
|
|
|
6
|
12
|
33.33%
|
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
Table 19: whom did you live
with before you join street life?
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Mother
|
4
|
11.11%
|
|
Father
|
2
|
5.56%
|
|
Sister
|
2
|
5.56%
|
|
Brother
|
3
|
8.33%
|
|
Step
father
|
9
|
25%
|
|
Step
father
|
11
|
30.5%5
|
|
Uncle
|
2
|
5.56%
|
|
Aunt
|
3
|
8.33%
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
Table 20: Respondent’s
response on their challenges before they join street life
|
Question
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of
respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
What
was your big challenging situation before you start to live on the
streets
|
I
was beaten by my step father/ mother
|
7
|
19.45%
|
|
|
I
was sexually harassed by older family members
|
4
|
11.11%
|
|
|
I
was wandered in search of food
|
22
|
61.11%
|
|
|
I
was forced to do bulky tasks
|
3
|
8.33%
|
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
Table 21: Question on the
everyday phenomenon in respondent’s home before they come to
streets
|
Question
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of
respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Do
you remember the everyday phenomenon in your home?
|
Yes
|
27
|
75%
|
|
|
No
|
9
|
25%
|
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
Table 22: The usual phenomena
in respondent's home
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of
respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
There
was nagging between my parents
|
|
|
|
There
was quarrel between my family members
|
|
|
|
My
siblings were always jealous of inheriting our parent’s meager
resource
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
|
Alternatives
|
Number
of respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
4
times
|
2
|
5.56%
|
|
3
times
|
7
|
19.44%
|
|
2
times
|
11
|
30.56%
|
|
Only
1 times
|
16
|
44.44%
|
|
Total
|
36
|
100%
|
Source: Survey through
questionnaire, 2008
References
- Amnesty international organization (2015),types of street children
- (http:/www.Kit.nl, 2002)
- Kebede (2015,) ,the situation of street children in urban centers of Ethiopia and the role of NGO in addressing the socio economic problems of street children
- Lewis A(2005,), problem Of street children , a sociological study of urban Sindhi thesis by Dr. Ameer ali retrieved from www.academic.edu
- UNICEF (2005), the unicef prevention and rehabilitation and protection of street children and street mothers project, UNICEF
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