Problems and challenges facing the government in addressing the problem of street children in Tanzania

Waziri, Twaha. I. (2013) Problems and challenges facing the government in addressing the problem of street children in Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study aimed at assessing problems and challenges facing the government in addressing the problem of street children in Tanzania. The specific objectives were to identify underlying factors leading to the persistence of the problem of street children, to find out problems and challenges facing the government in addressing it and to come out with alternative strategies to curb the problem. A descriptive cross-sectional research design (both quantitative and qualitative) methods was adopted to collect and analyze both primary and secondary data from respondents. Data from Street Children, Ward Executive Officers and Community Development Officers was collected through structured guided questionnaire while semi-structured interview was used to collect data from key informants. Secondary data was collected through review of documents. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version16.0 was used for quantitative data while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. The majority (78%) of respondents confirmed that poor government planning, ineffective policies and child legislations and weak laws as underlying factors to the problem while most of the respondents (76%) verified that, lack of political will, weak policies and legislations as challenges facing the government to address the problem. Furthermore, 80% of respondents suggested that review of child policy and legislations. Therefore, it can be concluded that, the government proved failure in identifying the root cause of the problem. Accordingly, the existing strategies are ineffective as merely addresses symptoms of the problem. Therefore, review of policies, laws, effective planning and enforcement of laws are fundamental to get rid of this problem. Conclusively, Social Workers should actively engage in advocacy and lobbying, policy analysis, public sensitization and further research to come out with sustainable solutions to the problem.

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