Challenges Facing Street Children and Copying Strategies in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam Cities, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper examines the coping strategies that were employed to curb the situation of the question of child streetism Specifically, the paper analyzes the challenges faced and coping strategies by street children. I used two major cities i.e., Dodoma City which is the Capital City, and Dar es Salaam City which is the major commercial city of Tanzania. Methodically, the study employed both qualitative methods. Instruments for data collection included participants’ interviews, key informant interviews, and document review. The findings of the study revealed that child streetism in both cities was largely promoted by both push and pull factors. Major push factors included poverty, limited family support, family violence, low education, and single parenting. In terms of coping strategies, the study found that street children in the two cities survive by using the little money they get through begging and doing other petty activities. To address this issue, the study recommends mechanisms such as providing community education on how to handle children, increasing attention on the matter from the government and other stakeholders as well as involving religious leaders.