Analysis of selected non-state actors interventions on the problem of street children in Lusaka district.

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Date
2024
Authors
Badat, Buchizya
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Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse selected Non-State Actors’ interventions on the problem of Street Children in Lusaka District. The problem of Street Children in Lusaka has become a growing concern over the years, which necessitated many Non-State Actors taking up interventions to address the problem. The research focused on the interventions of Non-State Actors working with Street Children in Lusaka District. The study focuses on the different approaches taken by NonState Actors, such as Non-Governmental Organisations, Community-Based Organisations, and Faith-Based Organizations. The purpose of the research was to establish the initiatives used to address the problem of Street Children, the challenges faced when addressing the problem of Street Children and finally to establish measures applied to address the challenges they faced. The study adopted a qualitative study approach which used in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Data was collected through interviews using a Recorder. The data which was collected through indepth interviews with key informants and Focus Group Discussions with other participants was analyzed using a thematic approach. The main findings of this study revealed that there are several initiatives used by Non-State Actors to identify Street Children, get them from the streets and house them in their centres for rehabilitation. These initiatives include: the process of making initial contacts with the Street Children in their dwelling places, offering health care services, education, provision of food, clothing and nutritional programmes, offering sports and recreation services and hastening the process of family reunification. Several challenges were found to limit Non-State Actors to effectively meet their goals. Some of the main challenges in addressing the problem of Street Children were financial limitations, lack of coordination, cultural barriers, resistance from the Government, stigma and discrimination, outbreak of COVID-19, unclear identities of Street Children, security risks, inadequate infrastructure, family tracing, limited capacity and almsgiving to Street Children. Finally, the study findings established the measures for addressing the challenges faced when addressing the problem such as: sponsorship, building partnerships and networks and empowerment in addressing the problem of Street Children. The paper concludes by emphasing the need for collaborative efforts between the Government and the Non-State Actors in implementing the problem of Street Children programmes for improving the effectiveness of Non-State Actors' interventions on Street Children in Lusaka.
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Thesis of Master of Arts in Development Studies
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