A Qualitative Exploration of Street Children Life in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the light of Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory

Abstract

The number of street children is increasing at alarming rate in the country. The several composite factors drive these children to the street life where they are confronted with the numerous threats. This study proposed to explore the root causes alongside the risks connected with street life. A qualitative study design was used to interview 50 street children from 5 hotspot sites of Peshawar, which includes Haji Camp Adda, Gulbahar, Karhano Market, University Town and Firdous Bazaar. This study is based on Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory focusing on the quality and context of the child's environment. There are two types of street children available, on and off the Street children. The determinants included strict parenting style, orphan by father, large family size and backing family. The negative attitude of society, physical and sexual abuse, weather conditions, health and hygiene and long working hours are the high rank factors. Such the challenges and exposure adversely affect child personality and development. Constitution guaranteed basic rights of free and compulsory education and a dire need to provide a safe and protected environment with a comprehensive social rehabilitation and reintegration program for street children

An Ecological Systems Approach to Assess the Well-Being of Street Children in Zimbabwe: Implications for Developmental Social Work Practice

“…The findings indicated that street children's lack of access to formal education hinders their attainment of a higher social and economic status in life. Ashraf et al (2022) note that poverty is inevitable among street children, because they lack fundamental social services such as education and health care, vital to attaining a better living standard. The mesosystem of the ESA highlights the importance of schooling in child development.…”

“…In this study the questionnaire was structured to gather relevant data to assess the children and to make recommendations for developmental social work interventions. Furthermore, psychosocial and developmental interventions implemented by social workers are crucial to address the numerous deprivations faced by street children (Ashraf, Ibrar & Ullah, 2022). The ESA guides social work practice in Zimbabwe in formulating family tracing and family reunification programmes, which are vital in reducing the number of children on the streets.…”