EXPLORING RISK FACTORS AND LIVING CONDITION OF STREET CHILDREN: A CASE STUDY OF ARBA MINCH TOWN, SNNPR

Abstract

The street children have been increasing at alarming rate and escalating problem in the world. The general objective of the study was to explore risk factors and living condition of children is living on the streets in Sikella sub-city of Arba Minch Town. To achieve the study objective, a qualitative research design was used to generate data both from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews of 20 street children. Collected data were analyzed, summarized, and interpreted using qualitative methods of data analysis. The study revealed that poverty, disagreement with stepmother/father, family divorce, peer pressure, being orphan and lack of alternative were the major push factors while peer pressure, glaring urban life (hope for a change), in search of money, better urban life, hope for better health, and education are the major pull factors. Lack of sufficient health care causes, malaria, and other transmitted diseases are some problems while the disparate feeling of fear, sexual abuse, use drug and alcohol, and fear of rape were the major psychological problems of the street children. It is recommended to offer children with life skill training, mentoring and provide with livelihood options while addressing the misconception towards street children.