| dc.description.abstract | The study focused on the rehabilitation approaches used and their impact on the education . of street children in Mombasa. From the literature review and based on the study's theoretical framework and in particular the Structural Functionalism theory, two hypothesis are formulated. The study utilized a multi-stage sampling frame and data was collected using an interview schedule and focus group discussions. The study found that the street children in residential institutions had far greater opportunities for education due to residential care and provision of services such as food, clothing and medical care. The majority of the children in institutions were enrolled in formal schools whilst a small percentage had been enrolled in formal schools before joining institutions. The study further revealed that access to education was directly related to activities that developed positive social attitudes and adoption of positive behaviour. Such activities included counselling, punishment for bad behaviour, rewards for good behaviour and spiritual programs, sports, music and drama. These activities were provided mainly
through the residential facilities.
In conclusion, the study recommended that residential care and provision of services are key to rehabilitation and more shelters or residential facilities should be created for the street children. In addition, a 'behavioural change' approach should be adopted and entrenched within the activities of street children rehabilitation programs. Areas of further research suggested included introduction of non-formal education especially for non-institutionalized street children who must work a few hours a day in order to supplement family income. In addition more consistent provision of services such as medical attention and food should be availed to non-institutionalized street children through creation of Drop in Centres in the town. | en_US |
