| Abstract: | There are large numbers of children living or spending most of their days on
the street. Several organizations have been trying to help these children, but
their approaches are ineffective as a result, many children are increasingly
joining the street life. Children living on the street face numerous problems.
They are ignored, abused and their needs such as food, clothes, and good
living environment are neglected by those who are supposed to look after
them. Different studies conducted in different parts of Ethiopia confirmed
that street children face numerous problems which include: psychological,
health, social and economic problems. This study was conducted in Woliso
town of Oromia Regional State. It was conducted using qualitative research
method. The data of the study were collected from 27 participants who took
part differently in In-depth interviews and FGD. Key informant interviews
were also conducted to collect data from government officials who are
knowledgeable on the situation of street children. Purposive sampling
method was used for selecting participants of the study. The finding of the
study indicated that participants joined street life because of the situations
such as: family conflict, inducement, death of parents and search for
opportunities. The participants of the study explained that they are
encountering different problems in their street life. These include: social
abuse, health problems, drug use, and sexual abuse, lack of access to food,
clothes, and shelter. The study finding also indicated that street children use
different coping strategies such as: flight, acceptance of abuse, engagement
in remunerable labor activity, begging, scavenging and living in a group.
The finding also indicated that lack of tangible projects in Woliso town
aimed at street children impede the implementation of Ethiopian child
policy. Therefore, this study can serve as baseline information to further
conduct another intensive research on other challenges of the street children
in Woliso town. |
