Background: The concept of the street child in rural communities
has received little attention. This study describes the sociodemographic
characteristics of the street children found in a group
of rural communities.
Method: This descriptive study is nested in a cross sectional
analytical study of street children in a group of rural communities
undergoing urbanization. A cluster sample of street children as
defined by the United Nations was taken in the seven chosen
political wards.
Results: Majority of the street children (88.9%) were within the
age group 15-17 years with more males (58.3%) than females
(41.7%). Up to 64.7% had attained secondary level education while
only 3.9% had no formal education. A high percentage, (61.4%)
were still attending school and 15.8% had no work. Of those who
work on the streets, being an apprentice (16.4%), petty trading
(15.0%), part-time driving (9.5%) and car washing (5.0%) were
the commonest types of work. Of those still schooling, 41.6%
had no form of part-time work on the streets. None of the street
children lived on the street with 65% still living with parents.
However, 75% had been involved in the street life for 1-2 years
with a median time of 2 years. More than 30% of their parents
work outside town.
Conclusion: The street child in rural communities differs from
the urban perception which often has to do with those living rough
and existing outside the family framework. More studies would
be needed on the driving factors for street life in rural communities
undergoing urbanization.