A study to determine knowledge attitude and practices of the community towards street children in lusaka district.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the people in the community towards the street children. Fifty persons from one residential area in Lusaka Urban were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. The data was analysed quantitatively. Results showed that all the people had knowledge on who the street children were, the common ages of these children, the causes, the dangers these children are exposed to and the various types of activities they were involved in whilst on the street. They were all able to state the needs of these children. The majority were also willing to render assistance to the children in the form of material support and food but were not willing to adopt. In the area of prevention of children taking to the streets they recommended the provision of social services, parental teaching, the empowerment of parents in fund raising skills.