oa Journal of Psychology in Africa - Street children of Lusaka: "a case of the Zambia red cross drop-in centre"

Abstract

The author discusses the origins of the street children in Lusaka, Zambia. Poverty is a necessary, but not sufficient' 'condition for children moving to the streets. Through an examination of published statistics and through qualitative analysis of questionnaire and interview data obtained from street children between the ages of four and eight, the author presents several reasons for the children being on the streets. Derived from the children's narratives, these include physical and or mental abuse such as being denied food, being forced 'to carry out heavy tasks or menial household duties, or ironically the desire to enjoy freedom with their friends on the streets. The author also discusses the survival strategies adopted by these street children, extending the causes to the extended family and society and their role in child development.