Assessing The Impact Of Street Children On Community Security

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies associated with street children in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania. The primary objective was to assess how the presence of street children affects community safety, while the specific objectives focused on examining the causes of street children, understanding their impact on community security, and exploring strategies for mitigating their numbers. The study employed case study research design to examine the impact of street children on community security. An ethnographic approach was adopted, utilising interviews and focus groups with 35 key stakeholders, including community leaders, local residents, and representatives from NGOs. The purposive sampling technique was employed to ensure that respondents with relevant knowledge were selected. Data were collected through key informant interviews and analysed thematically to identify key trends and insights. The findings revealed that poverty, family breakdowns, domestic violence, and peer influence were the major causes pushing children to the streets. The presence of street children was found to significantly impact community security, with an increase in petty crimes, substance abuse, and the formation of gangs, leading to a sense of insecurity among residents. Furthermore, these children posed a strain on law enforcement and public resources, negatively affecting economic activities, including tourism. The study concluded that addressing the issue of street children requires a multi-faceted approach involving government, NGOs, and community members. Strengthening social safety nets, providing vocational training, creating safe spaces for children, and enforcing child protection laws were recommended as essential strategies to mitigate the challenges. Future research should focus on broader geographical contexts to understand diverse experiences and develop best practices for intervention