Neros’ School

Title: “ጎዳና ተዳዳሪ ህጻናት ለምን ወደ ጎዳና

ይወጣሉ?”

Research Proposal

By:
Yeron Firew

Date: 14/09/2017
 1 . Introduction

In most developing nations across the globe, particularly in Ethiopia, the critical
phenomenon of street children is emerging as a significant social issue that
should be tackled. Street children are children who live on the streets on a
full-time basis, or often simply known as street dwellers, or who spend a
majority of their time on the streets and go home only periodically, if at all.
Unfortunately, these vulnerable children are likely to experience all manner of
abuse, exploitation, severe hunger, and an awful lack of access to education and
decent healthcare services.

In the country of Ethiopia, and more specifically its urban centers such as Addis
Ababa, Bahir Dar, Mekelle, and Hawassa, there has been a disturbing and
alarming increase in the number of children who find themselves living and
working on the streets. This is attributed to a multitude of economic, social, and
familial problems that are besetting these societies. Some of the most prevalent
push factors contributing to this trend include such issues as family poverty,
divorce rate, incidences of domestic violence, movement of people from rural to
urban regions, and an acute lack of proper social support systems that would
otherwise take care of these segments of the population.
 2. Statement of the Problem

The growing and alarming number of street children in Ethiopia, particularly in

towns and urban areas, represents a severe and complex social and economic
issue portending grave danger not only to the well-being and health of such
exposed children but also to the public safety of society in general. Although
various policies and institutions exist aimed at providing protection and care for
children in need, most of them are still pushed to the streets by a variety of
interconnected factors comprising chronic poverty, family disintegration and
dysfunction, abuse histories, the pattern of rural-urban migration, and the
enticing sparkle of city and town life. These children are left vulnerable to
exploitation, drug abuse, violence, and early death.

Despite our persistent endeavors, we are still far from having a complete
understanding of the numerous factors causing the phenomenon of children
becoming street children. This is particularly true if we look at it from the
perspective of the children themselves, along with that of their respective
communities. Without this certain and specific information regarding the
causes, it is difficult for the government agencies, NGOs, and community
organizations to devise proper measures to prevent this and assist the children.
 3. Research Objectives

General Objectives
The main aim of this study is to reflect on and examine the major causes that
force children to leave their homes and live or work on the streets of Ethiopian
cities. The study seeks to understand the social, economic, and familial
situations that push children into street life. The research takes into account the
primary reasons and real experience of street children. The aim is to provide
useful information to policymakers, social workers, and organizations that work
for vulnerable children. This will help to enhance prevention strategies, recovery
assistance, and return of these children to society.

Specific Objectives
The specific objectives of this study are to find and understand the major
causes why children end up living on the streets. Some of these causes are
poverty in their families, abuse, neglect, and independence. It wants to study
the effects of family relationships, financial problems, and social environment on
children's choices to leave home. The study also investigates the problems
street children face during their time on the streets and confirms the support
systems and community support that are in place.
 4. Research Questions (Q&A)

Why do children go to the streets?

Children resort to streets mainly due to poverty, breakdown of family life, physical and
emotional abuse by parents, parental deaths, and deprivation of education. Others are
also attracted by money or freedom opportunities in urban areas.

What challenges do children face after they go to the streets?

They face various problems like hunger, exposure to illness, drug addiction, physical
and sexual abuse, exploitation by adults, and involvement in criminal activity. They are
also often stigmatized and refused services.

How does family relationship affect children’s decision to go to the streets?

Unhealthy family dynamics such as neglect, domestic violence, or ineffective
communication play a big role. When children feel unwanted, abused, or
misunderstood at home, they rebel and end up on the streets.
 5. Significance of the Study

Policy Makers:​
Government officials and child protection agencies can use the research findings
to design evidence-based policies, improve child welfare programs, and develop
national strategies to prevent streetism.​

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):​

NGOs working on child rights, education, and social protection will gain a deeper
understanding of the root causes and challenges facing street children. This helps
them design more targeted and impactful interventions.​

Community Leaders and Religious Institutions:​

Local leaders can use the insights to mobilize their communities, raise awareness,
and strengthen community-based child protection systems to support vulnerable
families and children.​

Families and Caregivers:​

Parents and guardians can better understand the risks that push children away
from home and learn ways to create safer and more supportive family
environments.
 Street Children Themselves:​
Indirectly, the ultimate beneficiaries are the children on the street, who will benefit
from improved policies, services, and public attitudes informed by this research.

6. Scope and Limitation

This study was conducted in Adama, one of Ethiopia’s major urban centers where the
phenomenon of street children is increasingly visible and socially concerning. The area
was selected due to the high concentration of street children, availability of NGOs
working in the sector, and the accessibility of stakeholders for interviews and
observation. The focus of the research was to explore the underlying reasons that
cause children to leave their homes and live or work on the street, as well as to
understand the challenges they face and the responses currently in place.

The study specifically included children aged 8 to 17 years. This age group was
selected because it captures both younger children who are extremely vulnerable and
older adolescents who often take on more independent street roles. Children under the
age of 8 were excluded due to ethical limitations, communication barriers, and the
need for special protection during research. Adults above the age of 17 were also
excluded, as the research aimed to focus solely on children and youth still considered
minors under Ethiopian law.

In addition to street children themselves, the study involved interviews with key
informants, including social workers, NGO staff, local government representatives,
community leaders, and concerned residents. These stakeholders were included to
gain a broader understanding of the issue from multiple perspectives. Children who
had been on the street in the past but were already fully reintegrated into homes or
institutions were excluded to maintain the study’s focus on current street experiences.

7. Literature Review

Theories on child neglect, poverty, and streetism

Social Disorganization Theory:

Weak social institutions and lack of community control lead to breakdown in
social norms and child protection.