The Practices Challenges And Opportunities Of Vulnerable Children In Accessing Formal Education In Guder Town, Oromia, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was to assess the practices, challenges and opportunities of vulnerable children in the study area Homeless and impoverished orphans in Ethiopia (many due to AIDS) are in need of care and education. When no relative is able to care for a child, they are forced to live on the street and for that child, all hope is lost. The main objective of this study was investigate factors challenges and opportunities for access of education for vulnerable children in toke Kutaye Wereda Guder Town. The study is based on primary data collected from 65 vulnerable using questionnaire from two kebeles which were chosen purposively. Additional information was also obtained from key informants interview, focused group discussion, personal observation and life history of persons with Vulnerable .The statements from scheduled key interview and focus group interviews were used to substantiate the responses of questionnaire. Obtained reliable and valid information both primary and secondary sources was used. The data analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS version 25 which organized in the form of frequencies, mean Standard Division and percentages and Qualitative data were analyzed by using the key issues, concepts and themes emanating from the open-ended questions. Individual in depth interview, extended case studies and document analysis. The living environments of vulnerable children on the Street were very harsh and slummy. It can be concluded that there were showed up a few needs of finance by vulnerable children’s to assess Formal education. The support was vital for vulnerable children for additional strengthening to have enough knowledge and skill for the development of performance. They are unable to meeting their basic necessities such as food, cloth and secure sleeping places, and also lacked access to services such as health; education, recreation and also highly affected by diseases, depression and other psychological effects. Moreover, children on the Street used different mechanisms so as to overcome the challenges that they faced from the community and their living environment. The government should change the registration procedures of Vulnerable children fund, Non – government organizations and other stake holders and should enhance the vulnerable children fund to improve the formal education problems of poverty and unemployment’s in the study areas.