Prevalence of Beggars and Street Children in the City of Sorsogon

Abstract

This study determined the prevalence of beggars and street children in the City of Sorsogon. It focused on the profile of beggars and street children, the determinants for street begging and presence of street children and the problems encountered as perceived by the respondents. The study is both a quantitative and qualitative descriptive method of research. A survey questionnaire is the main instrument in gathering the data. An unstructured interview was also utilized to supplement the interpretation of the results. The respondents of the study were 153 street children and beggars in the city of Sorsogon. They were purposively and conveniently chosen. The street working children have the age range from 5-15 years old, most of them were male, did not finish their elementary grade, have stayed for 1-5 years, physically fit and Bicolanos. Poverty is the common cause of begging and becoming working street children in Sorsogon City. The respondents perceived being prone to hazards and risk in the streets as the most distressing problems. It is recommended therefore that the different institutions, the local government, church and other institutions may collaborate and extend their knowledge and assistance to these street children and beggars. Further, it is recommended that a sustainable rehabilitation scheme should be endeavoured by the local government, that it would encompass the diverse needs of the beggars and street children and promote the upliftment of their social well-being thus, children should be sent back to school and the government may provide educational provisions to support their educational needs. Create and deliver a responsive and sustainable livelihood program that would promote social progress to help these people alleviate poverty. The church may also conduct education to these children and beggars that would inculcate moral values and uplift their social beings. Intensify the implementation of related policies and strengthen the conduct of activities that would discourage street children and beggars from coming back on the streets.