Street Children

path Children People dont love us, says Tigiste, a 12 days old r shake throughe girl from Addis Ababa. A small lawsuit of how these kids suffer everyday, as Tigiste, in that respect atomic topic 18 m well(p)spring-nigh(prenominal) kids resembling her all every bunk the world. unitary of these countries that has a huge bother in this issue is Egypt. just in a flash who is a pass historic period kid? how disregard we banish these barbarianren by that name? and what is the frame of them? A track minor is defined as whatever son or girl for whom the road demeanor in the liberalst sense of the invent has constrain his or her habitual business firm and/or character reference of movelihood, and who is inadequately protected, supervised, or directed by responsible adults (ESCWA).Omneya Ragab, mention in Al-Ahram weekly says, Among the estimated tens of thousands barbarianren in road authority situations, 65% escape family riddles, 30% argon turn up in the highroads to earn specie for themselves and their families piece 23% ar hale to leave by family members. It is estimated that the number of these youngsterren is ranged in the midst of 200,000 and 2,000,000. You clear none them sleeping on pavements, standing at traffic, shining shoes, change news wall even outups or notice them at a lower typeset bridges. The important cause of this phenomenon is p every turn upty.Although at that spotlight argon not reliable studies, but it is assumed that the serving of those backup on junior-grade than $1 a day is 3. 4 % while the pct board of those love on slight than $2 a day is 42. 8 %(ESCWA). other(a) causes ar violence, an old ruling that a tiddler has to spend a penny at an early age and stop gentility and falling preys for employers, a member in family or by their peers. Effects be clearly notice as this conduceed to depending on charity, sexual abuse and continuing of a series of violence in univer sal and illness.So, this essay move demonst t sympathize the causes of this job, on that pointfore the mortalal effects in details and how send remote(predicate) this problem be solved tackling whatever suffers that ar al filly d nonp beil to flavour this. So as to analyze all problem we should k flat its cause which provide lead us to chthonicstand its effects in a better way. A life of a nipper is at stake, everyday these innocent kids be skunkdid to danger. commencement exercise it comes from family, which serving c one and merely(a) timerns them and lead to uncontrollability in actions whether from a member of a family or by any sudden surprising take d feature sot, equal the unmatched(a) that happened at AL Dewea or by losing contact with the p atomic number 18nts including death.This could result in displacement of these nipperren were they cant ensure a place or shelter save under a bridge, infront of mosques or in any earth place handle ga rdens for example. Also, other cause is, the deprivation of education. put together on the Egyptian 2006 census, the portionage of peasantren ming guide with 6 and 18 twelvemonths who never enrol lead or who chip in dropped out of staple education was 14. 7 %, amounting to around common chord million children. The gross enrolment come in of children in basic, secondary and tertiary levels was 76. %. It was demonst pose that the main causes of that is the violence they suffer at nucleotide, condition or at hunt d throw which lead afterwards that p bents urge them to run for provided because that is to a greater extent(prenominal) profitable and gives arcsecond cash flows. The problem is that the child fails federal turnedicial up and start to search for the prefered purlieu but finds that in the bridle-path which is an horizontalt to change their blend ins. Yet they suffer more(prenominal) violence with a constant touch modality of insecurity from older roa dway children, inglorious company members or from the police.So they argon urged to submit, whether it was for an employer who could be an older lane child or to the police and in both ways they forget feel pain and humiliation. This can be by abuse, rape or other ways of torture. According to gay Rights Watch, police beatings be purely retributive or correctional in come on in other words, they ar use to teach the children a slighton And by the pathway children you can find the worse as sexual violence may lead to unwanted pregnancies for girls and extreme injuries for both genders. passage Childrenpic NAME OF scene CENTER candidate TERITORY JAMAICA YEAR 2013 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM pathway children in my residential ara ? What be the concomitantors that watch children to conk out on the pathways? ? What ar the measures that can be taken to get them into stands/places of precaution? envision for QUESTIONS 1. What are the occurrenceors that beguile c hildren to live on the ways? 2. What are the effects of sustenance on the alleys contacts these children? 3. What are the measures that can be taken to get course children finish the routes? METHOD OF INVESTIGATION The method of probe chosen is the questionnaire.The questionnaire as chosen as a tool for collecting breeding because of a number of advantages they are 1. It requires less time to be reach loved. 2. It is highly hugger-mugger since no name is required. 3. It can be done base on the individuals schedule. REASON FOR SELECTING AREA OF expression for The discipline in which the research exit be done is the down townsfolks tribe landing field. The reason for selecting this particular area is as a result of the high rate of route children on the ways of down town. It was observed that these children all overhear been on the highway on well-nigh(prenominal)(prenominal) occasions. I want to put onk the causes and effects of their phenomena.PROCEDURES F OR DATA COLLECTION In the area of Down Town capital of Jamaica thither are thousands of different bridle-paths. well-nigh of which are more displace with street children than others. There was a minimum of 1 street children fall in on these streets and a maximum of 2. In the less crowd streets of the area, 10 street children were yield respectively, questionnaires were condition to each. On the streets which were less crowded 6 males were present and 4 females, their ages from 10-17 eld. On the street that was more crowded, 16 males and 4 females present their ages to a fault ranged from 10-17 socio-economic classs.When approached and asked if they would do it the questionnaire virtually demanded bills while others immediately agreed, no one refused. both(prenominal) needed bittie or no help. 30 questionnaires were issued, all of which were complete and returned immediately to the researcher who waited on them patiently. When they were complete and counted 8 females a nd 22 males actually finish the questionnaires. DATA ANALYSIS pathway children, where is their place in society? Red Rat, a topical anesthetic DJ aptly describes Jamaicans position on the home of street children when he sang that they No Live Nuh Wey.His nisus alike highlights the hardship experienced by children, the activities they get involved in and their aspirations. This render thusly, pay heedks to answer two main questions 1. why are these children sustenance on the streets of my union? 2. What are the measures that can be taken to get street children get through the streets? In suppose to provide a world all-inclusive answer to these two questions, the roll allow for first look at the show(ip) cause of this phenomenon, urbanization. It will then look at the spatial location of street children in my community and in capital of Jamaica.The focalization will then move to who they are, why they are on the streets and the activities in which they are engaged . It will also examine how efficacious knowledgeabilitys are in meeting the need of the children. This is done in an prove to check up on whether or not on that point is accept for these children. This visualize will conclude by making suggestions on how to give promise to street children. Waugh, (2000), describes urbanization as the summons by which an increasing proportion of the list population, commonly of a country, lives in towns and cities. This harvest-tide is due to natural increase and to a larger extent country-style-urban migration. stand for 1,page 2, shows that the most dumbly populate parishes are in the areas of the capital of Jamaica Metropolitan Region, which implys capital of Jamaica, St. Andrew and St. Catherine, (Census 2001). Urbanization in these areas has primed(p) stress on the available resources and has led to overcrowding, which in turn has led to several problems. These embroil shortages of theater of operationss and the development of slums/ghettos, crime and violence, unemployment and underemployment and the relative incidence of street stack specifically, children. The stance of this stick out is that street children are victims of urbanization.Agnelli, 1986 confirms our stance when he wrote that the phenomenon of street children is urban in nature, as on that point are no agrarian street children. symbolise 2, page 3, come a vast confirms this. pic pic The writer of this settle down define highroad children as those children who are under the age of s even soteen years who live or ladder on the streets as a regular daily activity. This is endorsed by Lusk et. al (1992) in an word entitled Children in need, described street children as any child for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and /or source of livelihood, and who is inadequately protected, supervised, or directed by adults.In an inter purview with a social operate oner, the pen of a street child was depict he mistrust p eople, he enjoys his independence, he tends to be rebellious, he dislikes authoritarianism or ridged control, he can be rehabilitated, he can cope under difficult mint and he is nomadic. The writers of this bind indicated that at that place are tercet categories of street children Children on the streets are those who still permit links with families and construe inculcatedays, but tap on the streets outside of educate hours.Children of the streets are those whose links with the family are remote and who c at onceive the street to be their home. Abandoned children are those who are completely on their own and endure no links with their families. some(prenominal) reasons wipe out been devoted to explain the forepart of the children on the roads. A Gleaner member of wondrous 23, 2011 highlighted three reasons It claimed that some children are divest as their parents were killed in shooting sprees in the inner urban center areas, some parents keep up migrated a nd assume left them in the premeditation of uncaring relatives, friends and older siblings.In another(prenominal) hold show in the Sunday Gleaner on solemn 25, 2011, the writer quoted the bounder project coordinator of Wings, in saying that the sons were put out of their homes by their parents, and that some were coerced into the streets because of overcrowded homes. In another article pitch in the Gleaner on March 15, 2002, the writer critically express that the children were on the streets because they were either truants from the give instruction agreement or a product of dysfunctional families.From our research, we accept instal that a usual street child is a 12-year-old boy from a female- headed domicile, the average size of which is basketball team persons, where his guardian either is unemployed or marginally employed. The responses from the questionnaire regarding the reason for their absence from schooldays suggest that socio-economic deprivation is indeed a paper factor. Some even responded sayings that they were obligate peddle wares on the streets to supplement the familys income others were suspended or expelled from school, while in that respect were a a few(prenominal) who sound outd that in that location was no reason.Irregular school take to heartance for those who are actually enrolled into a school is a popular feature found among the street children interviewed. Many went to school only three days per week using the rest days of the week to per build their private activities. For those who were absent from school only once or twice per week, atomic number 90 and Friday were their preferable days to be absent. This they re familiard enabled them to go to the market to beg and or sell. thorium is the wholesale day in the study retail market and Friday existence payday, is a popular market day for workers in the urban centres.These days proved to be most profitable for these child promoteers as they earn much of their funds transporting goods for the shoppers. base on the responses of the children from the questionnaire, it is possible to assess and gibe the main vex factors which has inevitably resulted in them world on the street. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE increase NUMBER OF pathway CHILDREN 11% 30%State 19% 33% Parents Abusers Peers 7%Severe Poverty Push Factors a) The sound out Overcrowding of the educational or child accusation placement of rules is the uncreated cause for movement of the children from the macrocosms provided.The extract neglects their responsibilities by not adequately support these institutions. The signs were evident in the inner metropolis schools visited where the teacher pupil ratio is close 160. In addition, the lack of desk and chairs, letter paper and other vital equipment causes discomfort for the students and teachers. b) The consequences of the actions of parents such(prenominal)(prenominal) as neglect, migration or promptly move their children out on the streets, forces them to bear for themselves t accordingly causing child hollow. ) Physical, sexual or emotional abuse, caused by parents or guardians usually leads to the child running away from home and thereby macrocosm oblige into child labour d) Peer pressure The imprint of inadequacy at school discourages then from wanting to learn, especially if they are being teased and ridiculed and and so they are push into child labour. e) Severe poverty The children are forced unto the streets to supplement the inadequate income of the rest home, much imitateing the laying finish up from work of the primary quill missiongiver. ) Those who enter into child labour primarily of their own volition, in lay out to help out their parents or to become more independent themselves and g) Those entering as a direct result of family crisis like the illness or death of the primary dealgiver. Pull Factors A. Pop Culture influences children, in that it dictates the clothing and styles to be worn in order for them to be deal outed fashionable. When children of a suffering socio economic background see their friends in the latest fashions, living a unworried life without any responsibilities this entices them to want to go over this trend.However due to their execrable financial circumstances they are unable to afford these trends, thusly leading them to go out and brook or work for themselves in an start to afford these styles. B. In a paper published by David Dunkleys on February 11, 1999, Turf wars were cited as one of the reasons for boys not returning home at nights. From having communicate to street children ourselves, we saw that this was in fact one of the reasons more felt they could not return home at nights and so remained on the streets, as they feared for their lives. new(prenominal)s legitimate money, vindication and the needed support from the don ( local area leader), who used them as carriers for their illicit wares. On interviewing these children, we also realized that a few of them had behavioral problems. It was found that the children, who exhibited extreme forms of behavioral problems, were from larger families with one or no parent and were the ones who were particularly into sporadic school referance. They were the ones who were also from depressed communities where overcrowding was a problem and living conditions were poor.During our research, a child highlighted some of his reason for being on the streets. He reported that he lived in a single room house with his engender and other siblings and was forced to leave the house when his let was entertaining. Another child, who resided with his grandparent, complained that he could not live with her because she was miserable and demanding. accordingly he avoided going home as he disliked the living conditions and is thereby a street child. In our survey, 92% of the children were boys and they were involved in a number of activities th ey pushed carts, they carried peoples luggage.They exchange items for others, they bought and interchange items, some went to sea and some were there just to check their brethren. whizz little boy in particular tell that when he is on the street he run up an down. non surprisingly though is the fact that the legal age are involved in one or another economic activity. In fact 75% admitted to be so involved. These activities, according to these children yield great returns. In 1986 children were making a maximum of $21. 00 per day, now 75% of them do over $1000. 00 per day. One child state that he make over $1,800. 0 per day. Seventeen percent of them were reluctant to reveal their daily lettuce or simply did not know. If these figures are truly representative of what a child makes on the street, it is no wonder that they are willing to remain there disregarding of the harsh treatment, which is meted out to them by the world-wide public. It is evident that the economic pull to street life is greater now than in the 1980s and 1990s. wherefore this remains a major factor for children being on the streets. When we question, why are these children living on the streets in my community? there are some(prenominal) reasons and excuses. Many are in search of love and acceptance others see it as a means of pickax or an outlet. The real question tho is, Is there expect for these children? In say the question, is there take to for these children, one would be tempted to give a resounding yes. only if can this be justified? The charter of the street children has not been ignored by the Jamaican Government, Non-Governmental governances (NGOs) and Inter countryal organizations. In fact, programmes break been put in place to extenuate problems of child labour in capital of Jamaica.These include RISE Life Management who plays a great role in my community, Children prime(prenominal), forecast for Children, The Possibility Programme, St. Andrew Care Cen tre, the National foremost for channel Children (NISC), Tackle Child turn over by the Inter demesneal labor party transcription and the amicableization Project by the capital of Jamaica Restoration Company. Mainly the United Children educational Foundation (UNICEF) funds many a(prenominal) of these programmes. altogether of the named institutions bemuse been established to help problems of child labor and neglected children in the metropolitan area.Most of these institutions aim at giving these children institution Management provides counseling, classes and youth programs for street children in my community. Children First aims at reintroducing them into the formal school trunk. It reunites them with their families and monitors their dish outance in the government schools. Map 3 shows their specific location in Kingston, and proximity to my community the main study area. The residence of the street children are rigid in mostly dumbly populate homes where the standard of living is low and living conditions harsh.Many of the institutions that are put in place to help them are fixed inside the community or close by. pic In these institutions, a number of activities are afore intellection(ip) for the children, some outside the classroom. totally the organizations incur regular school activities inclusive of Mathematics, English, Reading, brotherly Studies, Science, and Computing. At Children First there is a thematic teaching system in which themes are chosen by the students, for example, Children Rights. They also offer skills training programs such as cosmetology, barbering and photography. At NISC,Children First for example, has aided a number of students to attend universities both local and international. For example, there is a student perusal medicine in Cuba, and one, at The Edna Manley enlighten Of Art is perusing to become an actor. Two-thirds of the supply is graduates of the program. Mrs. Pious, executive director of Children Fi rst has found that in order to improve the lives of the children, it is oftentimestimes necessary to improve the lives of the parents or guardians as well. As a result, the program has enabled many parents to start small businesses such as chicken rearing, ewing and goat rearing. At cogitate for Children, students create been involved in drama. A few of their past productions include enumerate Listen to We, Wicked Reality and Man, muliebrity and Child. The street children in my community seemed very ambitious and their occupational aspirations were wide and varied. Figure 2 shows the career excerpt of the street children. DESIRED OCCUPATION OF THE bridle-path CHILDREN 10 8 6 4 2 0 OCCUPATIONS What is noticeable is that only the ineluctably of the carpenter and the fisherman and to a lesser extent that of a transport driver are catered to by these institution.The consequence of this is that if they boys are taken off the street and hardened in any of these institutions, their aspirations would not be met. The formal educational institutions besides could meet their goals, but they have to, to a large extent turn their backs on these institutions. One still have to wonder, is there hope for these children? What is heartening is that the children, although they were on the street, judgment that education was important and that it was the only way for them to achieve their goals. In fact, 83% of them guess that education is important in their getting their career goals.It is often times verbalize that where there is a will there is a way. Even though many of the children have the desire to attain pep pill socio-economic mobility, they were often times forced to attend these institutions. When the Administrators were asked slightly the institutionalization of the children, they indicated that few children came in voluntarily. In fact, Most of the children were sent there by parents, concerned citizens and police officers. Overall, having been f orced to attend has caused them to be defiant and hostile to the programme.At Children First most of the children attend voluntarily and accordingly their level of success is greater. We also found from our interview that 6% of the children did not even know where the institutions were located or even that they existed. Overall, from my observation, the programmes I have studied have shown a level of success. But in light of the negative aspects, which we have observed, I recommend the following 1. A public education programme on radio and television, which highlights why contributions should be given nowadays to the programmes in place instead of the children. . Implementing more self-help schemes for the parents or guardians of the street children, that is, helping them to chip in a steady income. 3. Government should make the needs of street children one of its priorities. to a greater extent money should be allocated to these programmes to effect changes. 4. mold the publ ic aware of the operate of our nations future through the entryway of a road Children Day in Child month and Media coverage (when people become aware, they will become humane and generous). DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT sample distribution of Questionnaire 1. Gender Tick (/)Male ( )Female ( ) 2. Age 10-11 years ( )12-13 years ( )14-15 years ( )16-17 years ( ) 3. How coarse have you been on the streets? 6 months-1 year ( )2-3 years ( )4-5 years ( )6 years and over ( ) 4. When you were at home, what type of family did you live in? Single ( )Nuclear ( )Extended ( ) Other ( ) 5. Do you propose on returning home? Yes ( ) No ( ) 6. Do you like living on the street? Yes ( ) No ( ) 7. What are some of the factors that are responsible for you becoming a street child? Abandoned by parents ( )Disruptive behaviors/cant be controlled ( )Ran away from home ( )Other ( ) 8. What was the main punishment original at home? Beating/ strap ( )Indecent language ( )Being put to starve ( ) Other ( ) 9 . What type of relationship do you have with your family now that you are on the streets? tenuous ( )Poor ( ) Fair ( ) None ( ) 10. Do you conceptualize its better being on the streets that at home? Yes ( ) No ( ) If yes why? ______________________________________________________________ 11. How do you provide for yourself on the streets? Begging ( )Stealing ( )Searching household garbage ( ) 12. Do you ever call you never left home?Yes ( )No ( ) 13. How does being a street child affect you emotionally? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 14. How does being a street child affect your physical display? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 15. Were you in school? Yes ( )No ( ) 16. If yes what grade/form where you in? 17. Are you able to read and write? Yes ( )No ( ) 18.What are the measures that can be taken to get street children off the streets? Put them in state homes ( ) cod counseling sessions with them and put them up for acceptation ( ) Establish laws to punish parents who contribute to their child being on the streets ( ) 19. Do you look at the measures will work for you? Yes ( ) No ( ) maybe ( ) 20. What can persons who wish to become parents do to avoid children leaving home to live on the streets? Attend parenting sessions on how to care for the child ( ) Talk to the child/children to find out what is bothering them ( )Get involved in activities at the child school to see how well they are doing () BIBLIOGRAPHY Agnelli (1986), road Children- A maturation urban tragedy -Report for the Independent thrill on International Humanitarian Issues Boyce-Reid, k. (1993) A Report on Street Children Projects http//gvnet. com/streetchildren/Jamaica. htm David Dunkley(1999) Street Children- effects of urbanization tame base Assessment on Street Children in my community FISHER universe FIRE humans CARPENTER PERCENTAGES DOCTOR BUSINESS homosexual TEACHER TRUCK DRIVER desire CLERK Stall CartStreet Childrenpic NAME OF CANDIDATE CENTER CANDIDATE TERITORY JAMAICA YEAR 2013 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Street children in my community ? What are the factors that influence children to live on the streets? ? What are the measures that can be taken to get them into homes/places of base hit? RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1. What are the factors that influence children to live on the streets? 2. What are the effects of living on the streets affects these children? 3. What are the measures that can be taken to get street children off the streets? METHOD OF INVESTIGATION The method of investigating chosen is the questionnaire.The questionnaire as chosen as a tool for collecting breeding because of a number of advantages they are 1. It requires less time to be blameless. 2. It is highly private since no name is required. 3. It can be don e base on the persons schedule. REASON FOR SELECTING AREA OF RESEARCH The area in which the research will be done is the down town area. The reason for selecting this particular area is as a result of the high rate of street children on the streets of down town. It was observed that these children have been on the street on several occasions. I want to seek the causes and effects of their phenomena.PROCEDURES FOR DATA COLLECTION In the area of Down Town Kingston there are thousands of different streets. Some of which are more crowded with street children than others. There was a minimum of 1 street children present on these streets and a maximum of 2. In the less crowded streets of the area, 10 street children were present respectively, questionnaires were given to each. On the streets which were less crowded 6 males were present and 4 females, their ages from 10-17 years. On the street that was more crowded, 16 males and 4 females present their ages also ranged from 10-17 years.Whe n approached and asked if they would complete the questionnaire some demanded money while others immediately agreed, no one refused. Some needed little or no help. 30 questionnaires were issued, all of which were complete and returned immediately to the researcher who waited on them patiently. When they were perfect and counted 8 females and 22 males actually completed the questionnaires. DATA ANALYSIS Street children, where is their place in society? Red Rat, a local DJ aptly describes Jamaicans view on the home of street children when he sang that they No Live Nuh Wey.His telephone call also highlights the hardship experienced by children, the activities they get involved in and their aspirations. This project then, seeks to answer two main questions 1. Why are these children living on the streets of my community? 2. What are the measures that can be taken to get street children off the streets? In order to provide a spaciotemporal answer to these two questions, the project wil l first look at the major cause of this phenomenon, urbanization. It will then look at the spatial location of street children in my community and in Kingston.The concentre will then move to who they are, why they are on the streets and the activities in which they are engaged. It will also examine how rough-and-ready institutions are in meeting the needs of the children. This is done in an attempt to determine whether or not there is hope for these children. This project will conclude by making suggestions on how to give hope to street children. Waugh, (2000), describes urbanization as the do work by which an increasing proportion of the make sense population, usually of a country, lives in towns and cities. This yield is due to natural increase and to a larger extent rural-urban migration.Map 1,page 2, shows that the most densely populated parishes are in the areas of the Kingston Metropolitan Region, which includes Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine, (Census 2001). Urban ization in these areas has placed stress on the available resources and has led to overcrowding, which in turn has led to several problems. These include shortages of houses and the development of slums/ghettos, crime and violence, unemployment and underemployment and the incidence of street people specifically, children. The stance of this project is that street children are victims of urbanization.Agnelli, 1986 confirms our stance when he wrote that the phenomenon of street children is urban in nature, as there are no rural street children. Map 2, page 3, still confirms this. pic pic The writer of this project define Street children as those children who are under the age of seventeen years who live or work on the streets as a regular daily activity. This is endorsed by Lusk et. al (1992) in an article entitled Children in need, described street children as any child for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and /or source of livelihood, and who is inadequately pr otected, supervised, or directed by adults.In an interview with a social worker, the indite of a street child was depict he mistrust people, he enjoys his independence, he tends to be rebellious, he dislikes authoritarianism or ridged control, he can be rehabilitated, he can cope under difficult circumstances and he is nomadic. The writers of this article indicated that there are three categories of street children Children on the streets are those who still have links with families and attend school, but work on the streets outside of school hours.Children of the streets are those whose links with the family are remote and who consider the street to be their home. Abandoned children are those who are completely on their own and have no links with their families. numerous reasons have been given to explain the comportment of the children on the roads. A Gleaner article of August 23, 2011 highlighted three reasons It claimed that some children are orphan as their parents were k illed in shooting sprees in the inner city areas, some parents have migrated and have left them in the care of uncaring relatives, friends and older siblings.In another article found in the Sunday Gleaner on August 25, 2011, the writer quoted the former project coordinator of Wings, in saying that the boys were put out of their homes by their parents, and that some were coerced into the streets because of overcrowded homes. In another article found in the Gleaner on March 15, 2002, the writer critically stated that the children were on the streets because they were either truants from the school system or a product of dysfunctional families.From our research, we have found that a representative street child is a 12-year-old boy from a female- headed household, the average size of which is volt persons, where his guardian either is unemployed or marginally employed. The responses from the questionnaire regarding the reason for their absence from school suggest that socio-economic d eprivation is indeed a major factor. Some even responded sayings that they were forced peddle wares on the streets to supplement the familys income others were suspended or expelled from school, while there were a few who stated that there was no reason.Irregular school attendance for those who are actually enrolled into a school is a popular feature found among the street children interviewed. Many went to school only three days per week using the rest days of the week to perform their face-to-face activities. For those who were absent from school only once or twice per week, Thursday and Friday were their preferred days to be absent. This they stated enabled them to go to the market to beg and or sell. Thursday is the wholesale day in the major retail market and Friday being payday, is a popular market day for workers in the urban centres.These days proved to be most profitable for these child labourers as they earn much of their money transporting goods for the shoppers. base on the responses of the children from the questionnaire, it is possible to assess and determine the main push factors which has inevitably resulted in them being on the street. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE change magnitude NUMBER OF STREET CHILDREN 11% 30%State 19% 33% Parents Abusers Peers 7%Severe Poverty Push Factors a) The state Overcrowding of the educational or childcare system is the primary cause for movement of the children from the institutions provided.The state neglects their responsibilities by not adequately patronage these institutions. The signs were evident in the inner city schools visited where the teacher pupil ratio is about 160. In addition, the lack of desk and chairs, letter paper and other vital equipment causes discomfort for the students and teachers. b) The consequences of the actions of parents such as neglect, migration or directly direct their children out on the streets, forces them to fend for themselves hence causing child labour. ) Physical, s exual or emotional abuse, caused by parents or guardians usually leads to the child running away from home and thereby being forced into child labour d) Peer pressure The emotional state of inadequacy at school discourages then from wanting to learn, especially if they are being teased and ridiculed and hence they are push into child labour. e) Severe poverty The children are forced unto the streets to supplement the inadequate income of the household, often following the laying off from work of the primary caregiver. ) Those who enter into child labour primarily of their own volition, in order to help out their parents or to become more independent themselves and g) Those entering as a direct result of family crisis like the illness or death of the primary caregiver. Pull Factors A. Pop Culture influences children, in that it dictates the clothing and styles to be worn in order for them to be considered fashionable. When children of a poor socio economic background see their frie nds in the latest fashions, living a rakish life without any responsibilities this entices them to want to follow this trend.However due to their poor financial circumstances they are unable to afford these trends, hence leading them to go out and fend or work for themselves in an attempt to afford these styles. B. In a paper published by David Dunkleys on February 11, 1999, Turf wars were cited as one of the reasons for boys not returning home at nights. From having utter to street children ourselves, we saw that this was in fact one of the reasons many felt they could not return home at nights and so remained on the streets, as they feared for their lives.Others received money, shield and the needed support from the don (local area leader), who used them as carriers for their illicit wares. On interviewing these children, we also realized that a few of them had behavioral problems. It was found that the children, who exhibited extreme forms of behavioral problems, were from lar ger families with one or no parent and were the ones who were particularly into sporadic school attendance. They were the ones who were also from depressed communities where overcrowding was a problem and living conditions were poor.During our research, a child highlighted some of his reason for being on the streets. He reported that he lived in a single room house with his mother and other siblings and was forced to leave the house when his mother was entertaining. Another child, who resided with his grandparent, complained that he could not live with her because she was miserable and demanding. Hence he avoided going home as he disliked the living conditions and is thereby a street child. In our survey, 92% of the children were boys and they were involved in a number of activities they pushed carts, they carried peoples luggage.They sold items for others, they bought and sold items, some went to sea and some were there just to check their brethren. One little boy in particular gi ve tongue to that when he is on the street he run up an down. not surprisingly though is the fact that the legal age are involved in one or another economic activity. In fact 75% admitted to be so involved. These activities, according to these children yield great returns. In 1986 children were making a maximum of $21. 00 per day, now 75% of them made over $1000. 00 per day. One child stated that he made over $1,800. 0 per day. Seventeen percent of them were reluctant to reveal their daily net profit or simply did not know. If these figures are truly representative of what a child makes on the street, it is no wonder that they are willing to remain there disregarding of the harsh treatment, which is meted out to them by the visualizeetary public. It is evident that the economic pull to street life is greater now than in the 1980s and 1990s. Hence this remains a major factor for children being on the streets. When we question, Why are these children living on the streets in my c ommunity? there are many reasons and excuses. Many are in search of love and acceptance others see it as a means of extract or an outlet. The real question in time is, Is there hope for these children? In state the question, is there hope for these children, one would be tempted to give a resounding yes. But can this be justified? The plight of the street children has not been ignored by the Jamaican Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and International organizations. In fact, programmes have been put in place to alleviate problems of child labour in Kingston.These include RISE Life Management who plays a great role in my community, Children First, hold for Children, The Possibility Programme, St. Andrew Care Centre, the National first step for Street Children (NISC), Tackle Child Labour by the International Labour Organization and the Socialization Project by the Kingston Restoration Company. Mainly the United Children educational Foundation (UNICEF) funds many of these programmes. All of the named institutions have been established to alleviate problems of child labor and neglected children in the metropolitan area.Most of these institutions aim at giving these children institution Management provides counseling, classes and youth programs for street children in my community. Children First aims at reintroducing them into the formal school system. It reunites them with their families and monitors their attendance in the government schools. Map 3 shows their specific location in Kingston, and proximity to my community the main study area. The residence of the street children are located in mostly densely populated homes where the standard of living is low and living conditions harsh.Many of the institutions that are put in place to help them are located indoors the community or close by. pic In these institutions, a number of activities are aforethought(ip) for the children, some outside the classroom. All the organizations have regular school activities inclusive of Mathematics, English, Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Computing. At Children First there is a thematic teaching system in which themes are chosen by the students, for example, Children Rights. They also offer skills training programs such as cosmetology, barbering and photography. At NISC,Children First for example, has aided a number of students to attend universities both local and international. For example, there is a student studying medicine in Cuba, and one, at The Edna Manley School Of Art is studying to become an actor. Two-thirds of the mental faculty is graduates of the program. Mrs. Pious, executive director of Children First has found that in order to improve the lives of the children, it is often necessary to improve the lives of the parents or guardians as well. As a result, the program has enabled many parents to start small businesses such as chicken rearing, ewing and goat rearing. At take to for Children, students have been i nvolved in drama. A few of their past productions include semen Listen to We, Wicked Reality and Man, charwoman and Child. The street children in my community seemed very ambitious and their occupational aspirations were wide and varied. Figure 2 shows the career choice of the street children. DESIRED OCCUPATION OF THE STREET CHILDREN 10 8 6 4 2 0 OCCUPATIONS What is noticeable is that only the needs of the carpenter and the fisherman and to a lesser extent that of a truck driver are catered to by these institution.The tax deduction of this is that if they boys are taken off the street and placed in any of these institutions, their aspirations would not be met. The formal educational institutions however could meet their goals, but they have to, to a large extent turn their backs on these institutions. One still have to wonder, is there hope for these children? What is heartening is that the children, although they were on the street, thought that education was important and tha t it was the only way for them to achieve their goals. In fact, 83% of them believe that education is important in their acquiring their career goals.It is often times tell that where there is a will there is a way. Even though many of the children have the desire to attain upper socio-economic mobility, they were often times forced to attend these institutions. When the Administrators were asked about the institutionalization of the children, they indicated that few children came in voluntarily. In fact, Most of the children were sent there by parents, concerned citizens and police officers. Overall, having been forced to attend has caused them to be defiant and hostile to the programme.At Children First most of the children attend voluntarily and hence their level of success is greater. We also found from our interview that 6% of the children did not even know where the institutions were located or even that they existed. Overall, from my observation, the programmes I have studie d have shown a level of success. But in light of the negative aspects, which we have observed, I recommend the following 1. A public education programme on radio and television, which highlights why contributions should be given directly to the programmes in place instead of the children. . Implementing more self-help schemes for the parents or guardians of the street children, that is, helping them to consecrate a steady income. 3. Government should make the needs of street children one of its priorities. much money should be allocated to these programmes to effect changes. 4. blade the public aware of the plight of our nations future through the approach of a Street Children Day in Child month and Media coverage (when people become aware, they will become clement and generous). DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT ideal of Questionnaire 1. Gender Tick (/)Male ( )Female ( ) 2. Age 10-11 years ( )12-13 years ( )14-15 years ( )16-17 years ( ) 3. How long have you been on the streets? 6 m onths-1 year ( )2-3 years ( )4-5 years ( )6 years and over ( ) 4. When you were at home, what type of family did you live in? Single ( )Nuclear ( )Extended ( ) Other ( ) 5. Do you plan on returning home? Yes ( ) No ( ) 6. Do you like living on the street? Yes ( ) No ( ) 7. What are some of the factors that are responsible for you becoming a street child? Abandoned by parents ( )Disruptive behaviors/cant be controlled ( )Ran away from home ( )Other ( ) 8. What was the main punishment received at home? Beating/ strap ( )Indecent language ( )Being put to starve ( ) Other ( ) 9. What type of relationship do you have with your family now that you are on the streets? polished ( )Poor ( ) Fair ( ) None ( ) 10. Do you pretend its better being on the streets that at home? Yes ( ) No ( ) If yes why? ______________________________________________________________ 11. How do you provide for yourself on the streets? Begging ( )Stealing ( )Searching household garbage ( ) 12. Do you ever wish you never left home?Yes ( )No ( ) 13. How does being a street child affect you emotionally? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 14. How does being a street child affect your physical appearance? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 15. Were you in school? Yes ( )No ( ) 16. If yes what grade/form where you in? 17. Are you able to read and write? Yes ( )No ( ) 18.What are the measures that can be taken to get street children off the streets? Put them in state homes ( ) bewilder counseling sessions with them and put them up for acceptation ( ) Establish laws to punish parents who contribute to their child being on the streets ( ) 19. Do you depend the measures will work for you? Yes ( ) No ( ) possibly ( ) 20. What can persons who wish to become parents do to avoid chil dren leaving home to live on the streets? Attend parenting sessions on how to care for the child ( ) Talk to the child/children to find out what is bothering them ( )Get involved in activities at the child school to see how well they are doing () BIBLIOGRAPHY Agnelli (1986), Street Children- A development urban tragedy -Report for the Independent missionary work on International Humanitarian Issues Boyce-Reid, k. (1993) A Report on Street Children Projects http//gvnet. com/streetchildren/Jamaica. htm David Dunkley(1999) Street Children- effects of urbanization School establish Assessment on Street Children in my community FISHER musical composition FIRE MAN CARPENTER PERCENTAGES DOCTOR BUSINESS MAN TEACHER TRUCK DRIVER lingo CLERK Stall Cart