a life without basic service

7/31/2019 A Life Without Basic Service

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A LIFE WITH O UT BASIC SERVICE

"street children say"

JEREMY SOUTHONPRALHAD D HAKAL

Sath-Sath Save the Children UK, Nepal

2003


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Prepared by

Jeremy SouthonPralhad Dhakal

Research Team

Jeremy SouthonPralhad DhakalTirtha Raj Tripathi

Child Researchers

ArjunBabluJayramPremSaila

ShankarSomSundarSunitaSunnil


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

BACKGROUND

PART ON E RESEARCH PROCESSMETHOD

LESSON S LEARNTOBJECTIVITY

PART TWO CHILDRE NS VOICESIN DIVIDUAL VOICESSPEAKING TOGETH ERCASE STUDIES: OLDER YOUTHDRAWIN G CONCLUSION S

PART TH REE - ANALYSISKEY FINDINGSRECOMMENDATIONS


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TH ANKS TO

To the children who took on the role of researchers committing their time and energy toimprove the situation of street children. We hope that the research can realise itsobjectives.

To all those children who participated freely in interviews and discussions. Many wereinspired by the objective of the research and we hope that we have represented theirviews faithfully.

To colleagues at Sathsath for their support: Rajkumar Tripathi for his hard work andpatience; Alex Sutton for reviewing and editing the report; and Biso Bajracharya andSuchita Shah for their wide-ranging support.

To our colleagues at Save the Children for their support: Simon Mollison and JasmineRajbhandary for initiating and guiding the project; Seira Tamang for her advice and inputon the research process; and Shiva Poudel for his support in workshops.


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BACKGROUND

Street children are a highly visible reminder of the failings of society and as such provokestrong reactions. The issue of street children became a popular focus of NGOs in theearly 1990s and has since grown in popularity. In Kathmandu there are numerousorganisations and local associations working with an estimated fifteen hundred street

children (three hundred of whom are living on the street). However there has been littlenotable change in street childrens lives, situation and numbers.

The dominant interpretation of street children is that ofpassive victims and deviants.Interventions are therefore designed to rescue or remove children from the street and tosocialise them into mainstream society. Street children are vulnerable to exploitation andabuse however street life also offers children access to income and control over day-to-day decision-making. For many, organisations are an integral part of street life not a wayout. Therefore understanding street children as passive victims fails to address thecomplexity of their situation. In not recognising the opportunities as well as the problemsof street life, organisations have been unsuccessful in providing viable alternatives.

The way we perceive street children dictates our response to them. The aim of this studyhas been to gain an understanding of street childrens perspectives of their own situationto encourage more appropriate and effective interventions. Centrally organising thisproject were three assumptions. Firstly, that there is a significant gap betweenorganisations perception of their services and programmes and their target groupsperceptions of them. Secondly, children are in the best position to assess services andprogrammes designed for their benefit. And lastly, children are capable of making suchan assessment on the basis of research that they have conducted themselves.

This study builds on the learning of Street D iary (Save the Children UK, 2001), giving theopportunity for a group of children to represent their own analysis of their situation. Itexamines the human and emotional dimension of life on the street. This is not a

statistical or quantitative research but is representative of the feelings of children livingon the street about their lives and organisations working with them. Some of the issueswe looked to include when planning this research were:

What are street childrens views on existing service provision? What is the role ofthese services within their lives?

Do street children differentiate between welfare provision (food, clothing, medical

support) and programmes aimed at personal development (NFE, vocational training,empowerment)? How and why? If differentiated, to which do they accord priority?

How important do street children view the role of their own participation withinorganisations working for/ with them?

Do street children have specific ideas for effective programmes?

How do street children view their relationship with organisations working for/ withthem? Do children use organisations for particular resources and/ or do they feel agenuine investment in certain programmes?

Do street children have loyalties to particular staff, mentors or organisations?

Over eighty children and youth were involved over a period of six months. Ten childresearchers conducted over fifty interviews, forty children were involved in focus groupdiscussions, and fourteen children and youth were involved in an analysis workshop.


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What brings together the boys and girls involved is that their diverse lives are primarilydefined in terms of their relationship to the street, whether ragpicking, begging orworking as a tempo conductor. All children involved in the research were living and/ orworking on the street. At the time of the research none were staying in hostels orresidential services.

All children involved were explained the objectives of the study and chose freely toparticipate without remuneration, working to improve their own situation. We haveendeavoured to present the childrens own views, opinions and analysis as clearly andaccurately as possible. This final report has been presented back to the childrensresearch team for their approval.


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PART ON E RESEARCH PROCESS

METHODOLOGY

The research was designed by a research team from Sathsath and Save the Children UK.O ur methodology was based on the principle that as far as practically possible theresearch should be conducted and analysed by street children themselves. The researchdesign acted as a base which the children could work from and which could be adaptedaccording to needs.

The child researchers participated in a two-day preparation workshop in which they werefacilitated to examine their own experience. This formed the basis from which the teamcould conduct the research with their friends.

SELECTION: Finding Motivated Researchers (November 2002)Six core areas were identified to select child researchers. These areas were chosen tocover Kathmandu: Baneswor, Koteswor, Balaju, Kalimati, Gausala, and Pulchowk.

The criteria for selection of researcher were that the children should:

Be between thirteen and eighteen years of age

Be motivated

Be able to make a commitment for the duration of the research

Have a variety of experience (work, lifestyle, NGOs etc.)

Include two girls to represent the proportion of girl street children.

In each area we explained why were undertaking the project to children using informaldiscussion on their experiences of NGOs to introduce the topic. All those we spoke tohad a strong belief in the research aims, and even if not wanting to be personallyinvolved as a researcher, all felt it very important that someone from their group shouldbe involved.

According to the criteria, we then selected one motivated person with whom we spoke inmore detail about the research, explaining the seen and unseen benefits. In some casesthis involved a series of visits reiterating the research objective and process. Thisparticipant was then asked to choose a suitable partner from his/ her area to participate.

There was one girl living on the street in the areas we had selected. She was motivated tobe involved in the research and was asked to find another girl to join her. However, girlsthat she knew were either not old enough to meaningfully participate, no longer on thestreet but working in restaurants, and or unable to commit time to the project.

The researchers were brought together to meet each other, discuss the researchobjectives and process in detail, and obtain the informed consent of all the participants.The key theme was that the research would examine the organisations and services thathad been established in their name. It was made clear that participants would not receiveremuneration for being involved, but only food and transport on the days they worked.It was made clear that at the end of the project a report with their work and photoswould be produced and widely disseminated, and they would be expected to talk abouttheir work. After this meeting two children from Pulchowk decided not to participate inthe project.


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TRAINING: Looking at our own experience (December 2002)A two-day workshop was held with the participants to prepare them for the research.The basis for the training was the lives and experience of the researchers themselves.Given the age and educational experience of the participants (and the fact that wewanted all to be involved) we decided to approach the research by modelling with thegroup a process that they could then use on their friends during the research.

The process was based on a series of picture-based tools (which were suitable for non-literate participants) focused on their experience and pusheding them to analyse this. Thetools included areas such as: known organisations/ NGOs and assessment, short-termand long-term needs, prioritising needs, and personal relations.

Although these tools were not all replicated by the children during their fieldwork theyacted as a reference point for issues to be included in interviews and discussions.

Individual interviews (December 2002-March 2003)During a period of two months the child researchers conducted interviews with childrenon the street. Accompanied by a member of the research team from Sathsath, each child

researcher was responsible for targeting his/ her respondents. Fifty children, from eightto nineteen years old, were interviewed in the following areas:

Chabil, Jawalakhel, Anamnagar, Kalimati, New Road, Hanumandhoka, Dallu, New BusPark, Durbar Marg, Baneshwor, Koteshwor, Ekantakuna.

The researchers began by using the tools from their training, finding which they weremost comfortable with and finally developing their own interview style. All the interviewswere recorded.

Focus Group Discussions (April-May 2003)The original research concept had been that the child researchers would be conductfocus group discussions in the areas where they stayed. However given the short training

period the participants did not feel confident to do this and faced problems of otherchildren joking and teasing.

A limited number of focus-group discussions were therefore facilitated by the researchteam based on tools developed for training in four areas (Kalimati, Pulchowk, BirHospital and Anamnagar) involving a total of approximately thirty children. Thesediscussions were undertaken to supplement the child researchers individual interviewsand for further research in areas where a limited number of interviews had beenconducted.

Case Studies of Former Street Children (April 2003)It was decided that for the final analysis workshop former street children would also be

invited to bring a different perspective during discussion. In preparation the supportteam conducted interviews with two former street children to support in designing theanalysis workshop.

Analysis Workshop (May 2003)A one-day workshop was conducted in May 2003 with the aim of bringing together theinformation collected during the research process and drawing together conclusions.


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All the child researchers were invited to workshop, although by this stage someparticipants had moved on and were unable to be located. Five of the original researchteam were present as well as other children who had been invited during focus-groupdiscussions and three former street children. A total of fourteen children were involved,including two girls.

The focus of the workshop was on defining the problems and needs of street children,and prioritising those that needed to be addressed by organisations.

Producing a Report (July 2003)A research report was written up by the research team and presented back to theresearch team for their approval. One participant was trained and supported to takephotos about street life for the report.


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LESSONS LEARNT: Challenges and Changes

This is the first research project that we have initiated promoting the participation ofstreet children as researchers. As such an important element has been our learning fromthe research process itself.

What was highlighted throughout was that street children are motivated to change andimprove their situation. During the initial selection the response we got from childrenwas extremely positive and throughout the duration of the research, children gave theirtime because they believed in what they were doing.Our challenge was to translate this interest and motivation into a project producingvaluable findings. Given the nature of street life this was challenging and was limited byseveral factors:

Street children are highly mobile and over the research period of six months manychanged areas and some visited home. Childrens mobility, the result of push and pullfactors, made it difficult to ensure participation for the duration of the project.

All the children involved in the project were living independently and providing forthemselves. Although they were given meals during their research work, the childrenwere not remunerated. This limited the time that they could give as they continued toneed to work regularly.

Logistically it was difficult to maintain regular meetings. Street children would needregular reminders of meetings and was not possible on a regular basis as the childrenwere located all over Kathmandu and were difficult to find. We also needed toprovide the participants with an allowance for transportation given the distancesinvolved. Although we gave money in advance this was either spent before it wasneeded or stolen.

Maintaining interest over a long period of time was difficult. Although theparticipants were motivated, many felt that the research had been completed and theyhad collected the required information, when this needed to be cross checked andvalidated.

While it was possible to maintain the motivation of most of the child researchers itwas difficult to develop a team spirit. Many of the children did not know each otherand were of different ages and different areas or groups. Although the children werehappy to work and discuss together during workshops and meetings outside of thisthey wanted to work individually or with friends.


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To work with these factors limiting our ability to create an independent research team wehad to be flexible and adapt our approach. This meant fewer regular meetings with thechildrens research team and child researchers working more independently or in smallgroups co-ordinated by us.

The difficulties in creating this research team exacerbated constraints to the level of

childrens participation in the research.

Challenges that children faced during the research:

The children had limited confidence in their ability to do the research. This wascontinuously reinforced by peoples perceptions of them.

The researchers found it difficult to be taken seriously by their friends and peers.Due to this the children themselves were unable to conduct the group discussion andfocused on individual interviews instead. In this they were accompanied by a memberof the research team.

Due to the problem of childrens mobility focus group discussions had to becompleted in one sitting. This had to be limited to a maximum of ninety minutes

because of childrens other commitments. In the discussions all children participatedfreely and discussed things at length. Therefore given the timing we had to limit thenumber of issues that we covered.

The children found some of the issues conceptually difficult to understand. Forexample we had aimed to exam ine through the research to what extent childrendifferentiated between short (welfare) and long-term (developmental) support.Abstractly the children researchers found this concept difficult to understand or todiscuss during interviews.

Given these factors, many of which had been anticipated, the research adapted anddeveloped according to the needs of the research and the researchers. Our initial

intention had always been to be flexible and work to involve the children as much aspossible in the research, even given the challenges. The nature of the research as humanand qualitative meant that this would not be a formal process. We believed strongly inthe importance of the children doing as much as possible themselves and that this is thevalue of this study.


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OBJECTIVITY

As an organisation working with street children we were aware of the challenges ofconducting an objective research examining childrens assessment of services providedfor them. This is of particular significance as the research aims to encourage moreappropriate and effective programming and interventions. However we believed that this

research helping street children to be heard was urgently needed and decided toundertake it with the support of Save the Children UK. We also felt that we could buildon existing trust with street children in Kathmandu to build relationships with otherchildren examining sensitive issues in a meaningful way.

Our role in the research team and presence during information collection wouldundoubtedly influence the research and we took action to limit this influence:

1. More than a quarter of the researchers were selected from an area where Save theChildren UK had a good relationship with street children but where Sathsath was notknown.

2. The orientation and training of the child researchers was facilitated by Save the

Children UK and none of the child researchers meetings were held at Sathsath.3. The child researchers were thoroughly familiarised with the constructive aims of the

project.4. As many of the individual interviews as possible were conducted without the

presence of a member of the research team, although the opportunities to do so werelimited as the child researchers felt that they needed the support.

5. Focus Group D iscussions although initially dealing with specific organisations wereused to draw out general recommendations and not focus on individualorganisations.

6. It was made clear in all interviews and discussions the aims of the research and thatthe identity of respondents would remain confidential.

7. The criteria for including quotations in this report is that they must be constructive.

All points should have evidence and learning that can be drawn from them anduseful to organisations working with children.8. We have not included the names of organisations referred to. Again this is to ensure

that the points made can be taken constructively by all organisations. What ishighlighted in the research is that children had good and bad points to say about allthe organisations referred to.

The aim of the research is to encourage organisations working with street children toreflect on what is important for street children and to draw constructive criticism andrecommendations to improve programming. We hope this to be the start of a process inwhich organisations (including Sathsath) begin to revisit their objectives, approaches andmost importantly motivations in their work with street children. Many began as groups

of activists working for street children and have since grown into organisations. It isimportant that we all reflect on what we have gained and lost in this development.


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PART TWO CHILDRE NS VOICES

INDIVIDUAL VOICES: Interviews conducted by child researchers

10 children interviewing 49 children in 12 areas of Kathmandu

After identifying the areas they would each cover the child researchers began to target

respondents and conduct interviews. Methods varied from organising a meeting inadvance with their peers to wandering about a selected area and conducting randominterviews. Working individually or in pairs and accompanied by a member of theresearch support team the research team conducted interviews with 49 children in 12areas of Kathmandu.

Some Examples of QuestionsWhat work do you do? How do you earn on the street?What organisations do you know? Who helps you when you have problems?What do like about them and what dont you like about them?What organisations have you stayed in? Why did you leave?Which organisations do you use and which dont you use? Why?

Who is close to you someone you can trust, someone you can rely on?Are individuals in organisations who you feel close to?What do you want to do in the future? What support do you need?

LIFE ON THE STREET

I work collecting plastic to feed myself. Its enough to eat and thats about it.(Kalimati, 14 years old)

If luck favours a person then they are good, if not they become a khate.(Chhabil, 18)

People who judge us and scold us are bad.(Rani Pokhari, 12 years old)

Organisation B is for eating, organisation C is for sleeping, and organisation D is forplaying.(Annapurna, 8 years old)

Organisations should help us in our daily life. They should all unite and help us togetherby opening a small place for all to sleep and eat and have their rights. They should allunite to make a small good organisation for us and not for the sirs.

For now, I want to freely wander like the other lads.(Kalimati, 15 years old)

I like the staff in organisation D who help us to follow a good path. I like people whopraise us and tell us good things.(Baneswor, 12 years old)

At the moment I collect plastics and sometimes beg, sometimes steal (when older Iwill carry a khukuri [laugh]) I earn money but I do not save any. I spend it all.Sometimes I take drugs like glue.(Baneswor, 14 years old)


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I dont go to any organisations now because I do not have time from my work. I used tostay in organisation C which I liked but they threw me out for no reason. I will studylater, now is not the right time. I left home because of a fight with friend s. I will go backone day. At the moment I dont want to stay in a hostel or with my family.(New Road, 14 years old)

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT ORGANISATIONSI like organisation D very much. They always set a time and come here and wake us up ifwe are asleep. Other organisations take you to their centre for no reason or scold andbully us. I like organisation D because they always keep their promises. They recognisethat games and enjoyment are important for us. They stay and eat together with us asbrothers. But, there is a long process for training. I dont know when it will be available. Idont have confidence.(New Bus Park, 15)

In organisation D all the staff love and care for us. This organisation is the closest thingto me. Organisation A only lets good children stay. They only let small and ill childrenstay. Organisation F have invited me but I havent been yet.

(Maiti Devi, 14 years old)

Organisation D is very good because it sometimes gives food, and gives clothes eachyear. It gives us medicine and helps us when we are in trouble.(Baneswor, 13 years old)

Theres organisation E. They help orphans. The best thing there is the football training.The staff there are very good. They help you follow a good path. One staff in particularhas helped me on a personal basis. I have nothing bad to say about that organisation.I was thrown out for sniffing glue and giving glue to friends.(Jawalakhel, 15)

Ive been to organisations E, C, D and A. Organisation D I like most. They dont domuch but I like it there. The best thing is to play there. I dont like the staff of otherplaces and I dont like the other organisations.(Baneswor, 13)

I like organisation D because they help with the police and in times of hunger. For olderchildren they help with training and work. I have been made bhai by one of the staff andhe helps me. I dont like organisation C where you cant eat and the older boys beat us.In organisation A I was beaten by the staff for no reason.(New Road, 13 years old)

I know organisations A, B, C and D. But only like organisation D. There I like all thestaff. They give help and support when we need it and help us with work.

(Kalimati, 12 years old)

Organisation D I like. The have helped me a lot in the past. They come and see childrenin the streets and look after them very well. They take proper care of street children andgive them medicine when needed. I like one staff there. He treats me like his ownbrother and helps anyhow he can.(Kalimati, 15 years old)


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I like organisation D because I can play there and eat khaja. The staff are very friendlyand are easy to be with. I can go to that place anytime. I love all the staff there.(Baneswor, 14 years old)

WHAT I DONT LIKE ABOUT ORGANISATIONS

I left organisation C because the older children stole our money and used to threaten us.

In organisation A, I loved the teachers but I left as I was being forced to return home.(Kalimati, 14)

I left a hostel in organisation A because I could not smoke cigarettes or take glue there.(New Road, 11 years old)

I left the hostel of organisation C because I was beaten by the older children andteachers.(Jawalakhel, 15 years old)

I do not like many organisation, especially where they dont let you smoke. OrganisationA is the worst you are beaten there for doing wrong and also when you do not dowrong.

(New Road, 16 years old)

I left a hostel in organisation A because I didnt want to cut my hair. Apart from that Iliked everything in that organisation.(Chhabil, 18 years old)

There is a local group which gives us rice but they always scold us even when eating rice!(Baneswor, 12 years old)

I left the hostel in organisation A because the rice and vegetables were not good. I canearn enough outside to look after myself. The organisation is good though when youhave medical problems.

I left organisation C because I was beaten for sniffing glue. I dont like to stay in anyorganisations because of the older children who bully and beat us.(Kalimati, 14 years old)

I was staying in one hostel with organisation A which was very good. Then they sent mehome and I ran away again. There is not enough food at home and that is why I left thefirst time as well.(Kalimati, 14 years old)

MY FUTURE

Rag-picking is good for now but not for my whole life. O rganisations should help us liveindependently. I believe organisation D may help me in the future. They want to help butI dont know if they will able to or not.(Kalimati, 14 years old)

Organisation C lets us sleep but they should feed us as well.(Annapurna, 12 years old)

We can work at night rag-picking to earn money. In the afternoon we need to learn andbe trained for good work. Then we can stand on our own feet and wont be khate.


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I have told organisations so many times but nothing has happened. Other organisations Ihave not seen or gone to on my own. They have not called me either.(Kalimati, 17)

I sleep at home at night but work as a tempo conductor in the day. In the future I wantto work as a peon or a driver. I want to save money in a place I can trust, to do business

in the future.(Chabahil, 12 years old)

Ive only stayed at organisation D. I know of other organisations but Ive never beenthere. I dont know where they are.(Baneswor)

I was beaten at organisation A by older boys. Organisation D help with the police and inemergencies but I only go sometimes because I have to work.(Kalimati, 13)

I love the staff at organisation D, they called us to festivals and give prizes for

competitions. They say Namascar when they meet us.(Baneswor, 14)


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SPEAKING TOGETH ER: Discussions facilitated by Research Team

Focus group discussions in 4 areas of Kathmandu involving about 25 children

Discussions were facilitated by a member of the Research Team with children from fourareas: Kalimati, Pulchowk, Bir Hospital and Anamnagar. These one hour discussion were

based on some of the tools we had developed for the training workshop exploringchildrens priority needs and their assessment of the organisations they had visited.

The main consensus points from the discussions appear here paraphrased, retaining thefeeling and manner in which they were expressed as far as possible. They are supportedby quotations where relevant.

We need LOVE and we want this from the people working with us. Love is shownin the way people treat us, how often they come to visit, and the support they give us.We love and respect those individuals and organisations that love and respect us andwant guidance from them. We dont like organisations which only give attention andlove to new children.

We dont like organisations where they only care about new children and the olderchildren are bullies. FGD Anamnagar

I have a dai at the scrap centre who cares for us and looks out for us when we haveproblems. FGD Pulchowk

At that organisation they have stopped loving us. Since one sir left we dont gothere anymore. FGD Bir Hospital

We need TRAINING to develop our skills and support to find EMPLOYMENT.This is essential for us to leave the street and stand on our own feet. We dont likeorganisations which make EMPTY PROMISES.

We needto STUDY for our development. This means practical study, focusing onreading, writing, language and maths.

We need MEDICAL support to make sure we are healthy. We need somewhere togo when we are ill.

We need BASIC FACILITIES that we cannot find easily on the street somewhereto wash ourselves and our clothes, somewhere to play, and somewhere to relax.

We need help to VISIT orRETURN HOME when we are ready to.

We need LOANS to support us in emergencies and also to support us to startbusiness so we can earn for ourselves.

We like the opportunity to have TIME AWAY from the street. To stay somewherenice to play and discuss our life.

We like to go and stay away somewhere for a few days where we can relax, play, andtalk. FGD Kalimati


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We want a PLACE TO STAY even when we are older than sixteen. We dont likeorganisation where older boys and staffBULLY us. We dont like organisationswhere we are BEATEN for no reason. We dont like centres where our things areSTOLEN by other children. We dont like organisation which take all ourFREEDOMso we cant go outside. We dont like organisations where we have tostay without our FRIENDS.

Its difficult to stay in hostels as you are beaten and the older boys bully you. FGDAnamnagar


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CASE STUDIES: Older Street Youth

CASE STUDY: LOOKING BACK (Bijay Sherpa, 18 years old)

I left the street when I met some sherpas and began to start work in trekking as a porter, acook and a guide. I have not taken any support from organisations for training, work orstudy. I have not studied at school, but I as long as you have a skill you can get work. Now Iam back with my family in Kathmandu and things are going well.

We need to make sure that new children coming to the street understand they will go bad onthe street. It is difficult though as they have no experience or wisdom as they are young. We

must remind them that organisations are for them.

Organisations must understand what childrens own opinions are about what they want todo. When someone starts work or training it becomes their own responsibility if they aresuccessful or not. It is our own fault that we return to the street, we follow our own mindfor freedom and develop a habit to having money, therefore will always return to the streetfor these things.

The biggest problem is being called khate. We areseen as thieves and we have a big problem withpolice harassment they think all street children

are pickpockets and arrest us for no reason. Themain people who call us khate are thulo manche butif they think in that way they themselves are khate.We are the ones cleaning and recycling the rubbishthey themselves throw on the street.

I am not ashamed to say that I worked on the street. Street children are not khate, they arealso people. If you cut them blood comes. If you cut us blood comes. People do continually

look at street children as the worst, but it is not only street children who use drugs. There arethe same problems with school children as well.. Street children are those who have come tothe street because of poverty and taken responsibility for themselves.

CASE STUDY: LEAVIN G THE STREET (Narayan Shrestha, 18 years old)

I came to the street after running away from a hotel I was working in. I was beaten there andnot paid and one day ran away. I then met a rag-picking boy and started to work with him.

I went to one organisation who planned to send me home but I did not want to go. So theygave me carpentry training for six months and I went to earn and live on my own. I started

work but I had not had enough training and could not earn enough so I went to the streetsagain.

For the last two years I have had regular work collectinghousehold waste in a rickshaw, earning about three

thousand rupees a month. Recently I left this work andam staying on the street again. It is not easy collecting

rubbish. For my future, I am hoping to get good training, to learn well and not come to thestreet again. I will manage my own life.

The problems we have faced on the street are from people stealing from us, the weather, andthe police arresting us for no reason. Sometimes we dont eat. Now I dont have problems

from older youth beating or stealing from me. But I still have a lot problems from the police.

As street children we cant stay in organisations because of our habits. We cant follow the

rules and have problems with cigarettes and drugs. It is our own fault we cannot staybecause we need more freedom. A lot of children like the street and then a lot have not beenable to receive training to get out. If you stay on the street you are a khate which is not good.We should take the opportunities from organisations to take work or to return home.

Organisations must understandwhat childrens own opinions areabout what they want to do. When

someone starts work or training itbecomes their own responsibility if

they are successful or not .

We cannot stay because

we need more freedom.


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DRAWING CONCLUSIONS: Childrens Analysis Workshop

With the completion of interviews and discussions a workshop was planned with thechildrens research team and other street children participants to draw togetherconclusions. All the original research team was invited to workshop, although by thisstage some participants had moved on and were unable to be located. Five of the original

research team were present as well as other children who had been invited during focus-group discussions and three former street children. A total of fourteen children wereinvolved, including two girls.

It was not possible for the Childrens Research team to examine all the informationcollected or for them to listen to all the recordings of interviews and discussions. Theresponsibility was with the child researchers and research support members to ensurethat all the issues that had been raised by street children during the research wererepresented. The main points from discussion are paraphrased.

OUR MAIN PROBLEMS which need to be addressed

SOCIETYOur biggest problem is the way society sees us, the way we are treated and scolded. Itis not good for people to call us khate. We are not allowed into places and arethrown out of others. We are cheated by shops and businesses and if we work we areoften not paid. Girls on the street are harassed by many people.

We go a long way to collect scrap, then when we come back we take it to the scrapcentre. There the owner weighs it and cheats us by giving us less money than itsworth.

LOVEIt is difficult for us to get love on the street. We have love from our friends and fromsome organisations, especially staff who have made us their brother. Only if youwork well will you get love.

They come to us on the street, are caring and take us back to their organisation.When we get there they dont care anymore, beat us, and even if you go late theythrough you out.

TRAININGWe need good training to change our situation and get good work. There are a feworganisations which provide training. The problem is training is only available to few.There are many people waiting for training and then there is a selection process. Ifyou wait and show your commitment it is possible to get training.

Organisations give us hope by saying they will give us training, but when we askthey avoid the subject and it never comes.

WORKThe only work available to us is not good for our future like washing dishes andworking on tempos. We need support to find good long-term work. We get somesupport from organisations. It is still difficult though. People dont give us workbecause they think we will steal.


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When we look for work no-one gives us any. If we do find any work, its dish-washing and then we dont get paid. Any glasses we break are held against us.

STUDYWe need opportunities to study and develop ourselves. Education is available from

organisations but it is like for small children in school. Some places are too far to goregularly and then if you miss one day you are beaten. Generally for study you haveto stay in a hostel.

POLICEThe police can be good and bad. The problems we have are when we are arrested forno reason and accused of being thieves or pickpockets. They say black is white andwhite is black. In one area we were told not to stay there otherwise we would belocked up for three days if the police saw us. Sometimes the police are drunk andcome and harass us. They do this especially for girls and talk about marrying them.We get some help but only from one or two organisations and individuals.

When we are sleeping at night the police come and take us to the station and lock usup. When they let us out if we ask for the money we had with us, they say Whatmoney? Get out of here.

PRESSIt is a big problem when journalists come and take our photos without asking us andthen print it in the newspaper. Then our family finds out we are living on the street.It is important when we go back home that they do not think of us as khate. Thenthey can also put our photos with bad writing about street children and people willthink it is us.

Journalists say they wont print our photo in the newspaper, but the next day they

print it. They also come and take photos when we are sleeping.


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PART THREE ANALYSIS

KEY FINDINGS

ORGANISATIONS AS PART OF STREET LIFEOrganisations are very much seen as a part of street life and not as a way out. Different

organisations are used for different services food, shelter, medical treatment,emergency support, clothes, shelter, and recreational facilities. It is these open-accessservices, supporting their independent living, which were positively assessed by children.The children also highlighted a need for developmental support, including training andbasic education, based within street life and not restricted to hostels.

Street children are living an independent life nurtured and developed on the street.However while centres and services may be an integral part of street life for children, thathas not been the intention of organisations working with street children. Hence outreachwork to recruit children to shelters, shelters acting as feeders for hostels, and trainingbeing linked to hostels. Street children will continue to use services offered but unlessorganisations learn to work in the street environment they will have no impact on the

important development stage of a significant number of children living on the street.

AWARENESS OF ORGANISATIONS and PROGRAMMESAlthough children were aware of many organisations (80% of children referring to twoor more organisations) there were discrepancies apparent between what organisationsoffer and what children refer to. Much of the childrens information was based onpersonal experience and anecdotal information from friends. Reputation played a largepart in childrens opinion about organisations. If one of their friends had been beaten ortold them an organisation was bad, this would be accepted as fact.

A significant number of children referred to a number of organisations though it wasapparent that they had visited only one or two. The location of organisations, their

programmes and outreach work affected how much children knew about them indifferent areas. Some organisations were only known about in their locality while otherswere known across Kathmandu.

Children could identify organisations which provided immediate services such as food,basic healthcare, or washing facilities. However there was little known about otherservices provided by these organisations such as training. In particular little was knownabout how to access these programmes.

WORKIN G APPROACHFor many, an organisation and its staff had the potential to be the closest thing to them.The attitude of the staff towards the children was very important and their way of dealing

with children. Children identified strongly with individual staff at organisations. In oneorganisation when a key member of staff left there was a clear change: the organisationhad stopped loving them and children no longer went there. In the same way onechildren had loved every aspect of a hostel , but when a new member of staff startedwho beat them the boy ran away and will only go back when this person leaves.

For children, a good organisations is one which loves and respects them. This is evidentthrough simple gestures such as greeting children and sharing festivals and important


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occasions. This organisation makes them feel happy about themselves while providingpositive guidance.

Children felt that in many places they were misunderstood or their opinions were notlistened to. In particular there were many instances of children being sent home whenthey did not want to return, with the result of the children running away from a hostel or

returning to the street after they had been taken home.

Corporal punishment and bullying was a constant factor in childrens decision to useorganisations.

STREET LIFE AS TRANSITIONALThe street is seen as a transitional period which children will leave as they became older.To make this transition they require guidance to follow a good path and support fortraining and employment to be able to stand on their own feet. For younger children(below 15 years) this transition was very much one of the future when they would be oldenough. In the meantime street life was a way of surviving until they were able to beginto change their life and access training and good employment opportunities. Street life

was seen as a better and more enjoyable option than return to family or staying in aninstitution, even though children are acutely aware of the shortcomings of street life inthe long-term.

EDUCATION and TRAININGChildren consistently prioritised, non-formal education, skills and training over formaleducation. Children find it difficult to attend regularly and for long classes. This is due totheir lifestyle, mobility and work commitments. Those education programmes that wereavailable were too far for children to attend daily. Youth often felt patronised by theapproach used in education programmes and felt that they were not relevant to them.Most importantly children and youth want to be provided with training and employment

opportunities when they are ready. Although many spoke of training available inorganisations very few knew of individuals who had received training. Due to this theyhad no peer role models to encourage them and had little awareness of what training isavailable and how to access it.

STREET CHILDREN and SOCIETYOne of the key problems identified by children is the way society sees and treats them.As khate, street children are used as scapegoats for ills in society such as crime anddrugs.

Being labelled as khate affects children in their day-to-day lives and is one of thegreatest determinants of their future. It affects their self-esteem, their ability to access

services and their ability to find good employment. On the street, children have access tothe informal work but they want to access real employment opportunities. As streetchildren become older and attempt to access their social and economic rights it is verydifficult to shed this khate identity.

Street children feel cheated by mainstream society. They are not permitted access toservices, are charged more in shops, and are not paid for work they have done. Inparticular they feel exploited by the media who use them without consent.


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PUBLIC-FUNDED SERVICESStreet children are not receiving equal open access to public services. In particular,children always turn to an organisation to deal with medical problems and otheremergencies. This reflects the general social attitude towards street children madeapparent on the few occasions they have approached a public service for help. In thesame way local police hostility towards street children have made them unapproachable

in times of need.

SH ELTER and FOODMany children who wanted to stay in hostels were unable to due to restrictions, such asage and home situation. In some cases conditions for admission to a hostel meant firstresiding in a night shelter which was not popular. In addition, children had to waitindefinitely until a hostel space became available.

Night shelters were popular in theory but less so in practice. Due to night working times,children could not stay in a night shelter and earn money at the same time. Theytherefore felt that shelters must provide food as well as accommodation.

PSYCHO-SOCIAL ASPECTS of STREET LIFEThere is a significant ambiguity in street childrens understanding of their situation. Thedominant image that children held of themselves was that of delinquents or bigrek o. Streetchildren have internalised a strong negative image of themselves and believe that they areresponsible for their behaviour and for not being able to leave street life. However thereis also a strong sense of fatalism that living on the street inevitably leads an individualto be bad. This fatalism removes moral arguments and absolves the individual ofresponsibility. Many children are therefore blaming themselves for their situation whilefeeling powerless to change this situation.

The way older youth and younger children viewed their situation differed considerably, asmade apparent in the case studies. There was a discrepancy between both age groups

about the working approach organisations should adopt with street children. Older youthblamed themselves for not having participated in training and other programmes,whereas children saw the fault being with organisations and their programmes. What wasclear however from both groups was a need for strong guidance from organisations.

CHILDREN YET IN DEPEN DENTStreet children are living in an exceptional situation given their high levels ofindependence. Much of development is focused at working against dependency but whenit comes to children our tendency is to encourage dependence first on our own termsbefore we can support their independence. The children involved in this study haveexpressed a strong need for support but not to be made dependent.

Street children have access to income and are in control of their day-to-day decisionmaking. They will not accept strict rules, restrictions on their freedom, low standards ofservice provision, and organisations which do not respect them. These children have achoice and can survive without organisations in fact, street children and youth areacutely aware (from experience) that they cannot rely on organisations for their future.


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RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations have been drawn from this research. These are aimed atorganisations working with street-based children and those planning to work with street-based children.

Adopt a rights-based approach to service provision supporting street childrensholistic development

Organisations and staff working with street children must respect them asindividuals. They must work with children in a human way. While focusing onresults, the overriding interest should always be that of the child.

Organisations working with street children should recognise their independence andwork against creating dependency. They should adopt a participatory approach todevelop a balance between freedom and discipline together with the children.

Service-delivery should be integrated as part of a wider process of empowerment anddevelopment, not as isolated programmes.

Organisations should find ways to spread awareness about themselves and theprogrammes and services they provide.

Develop a clearly defined working approach and provide comprehensive stafftraining

Organisations should accept childrens choice to be on the streets and support themto do so in a positive way. Organisations should not reinforce an image that living onthe street is bad through programmes whose only definition of success is removalfrom the street. Organisations need to work within the street environment to achievea long-term impact.

Organisations should have a clear policy regarding corporal punishment and worktowards developing more positive mechanisms. Corporal punishment enforces anegative perception of an organisation and discourages children from attending. Staffneed adequate training to deal with street children. This will also bring about achange which will be reflected in childrens attitude and behaviour.

Front Line Workers should be trained to represent their organisation effectively asthey are the face of the organisation for children. For the same reason organisationsshould work to maintain staff continuity.

Provide relevant education and training for street children and youth with atransparent process

Street children have expressed a strong need for practical education and skills.Organisations should support children to realise themselves in alternative fieldsaccording to their capacities and not restrict their approaches to mainstreaming.

Children on the street need to be supported with alternative programmes during thetime when they are too young for vocational training programmes and employmentopportunities. These programmes should support childrens holistic development.

Organisations should be clear about what training they can provide and the criteriaand process for training. This should be transparent to the children from the outset.


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Bearing in mind the mobility and lifestyle of street children, education programmesshould be needs-based and flexible to allow attendance.

Organisations should support individuals and groups to become peer role modelswho can share their experience with other street children.

Organisations should have retreats as part of their programmes thus giving streetchildren the opportunity to have time away from the street to reflect on their livesand think about their future.

Avoid isolating street children from society by taking account of the wider socialcontext

Links should be built between street children and public services to guarantee streetchildren equal access and fight discrimination. Direct services should not replace theresponsibilities of public services.

Organisations working with street children should sensitise society to change thedominant khate image of street children. This includes working against the use ofstreet children as scapegoats in society.

Organisations should support street children to reach the top of diverse fields and actas ambassadors and role models.

Government/ INGOs should work with the media to develop clear guidelinesregarding the representation of children and the use of their image.


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PARTICIPANTS

INTERVIEWS

Maiti Devi/ Anamnagar 4 Male 49Durbar Marg 4 Female 0

New Road/ Hanumandokha 6 _______ _________ ____Jawalakhel 2 TOTAL 49Kalimati/ Dallu 9Rani Pokhari 1New Bus Park 2Putalisadak 2 Up to 10 years 3Baneshwor 9 11-12 years 11Chabil 6 13-14 years 18Tilganga/ Sinamangal 2 15-16 years 12Koteshwor/ Ekantakuna 2 17-19 years 5__________________________ ____________________TOTAL 49 TOTAL 49

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION S

Bir Hospital 9 Male 24Pulchowk 4 Female 1Kalimati 5 _______ ___________ __Anamnagar 7 TOTAL 25__________________________TOTAL 25

ANALYSIS WORKSHOP

Kalimati 2 (2)* Male 12Pulchowk 2 Female 2Bir Hospital 2 (1)* _____ _____ ___ ___ ____Maiti Devi 3 TOTAL 14New Bus Park 1 (1)*Anamnagar 3 12 16 years 10Baneshwor 1 (1)* above 16 years 4__________________________ ____________________TOTAL 14 TOTAL 14

* Including Childrens Research Team participant.

a life without basic service

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