ABSTRACT
The increase in the number of children living and working on the street of Nigeria has become a
concern for all. The study argues that the phenomenon of street children can be explained in the
context of symbolic interactionism. The study reports the findings of a qualitative study that
investigates the experiences of street children in Iwo road of Ibadan, Nigeria. Twenty-two (22)
participants were purposively sampled and in-depth interviews were conducted to collect
information from seventeen (17) children (all boys), and five (5) key informants (three social
workers and two traders). Findings from the study show that family disintegration, low educational
background, delinquent acts, poverty, abuse and lack of parental care are the major predisposing
factors of streetism. Besides, the children were engaged in different kinds of life style like sleeping
arrangement, pushing wheel barrow, washing of cars, carrying loads, and bus conducting. Also,
there are major challenges faced by children living on the street of Iwo road, such as attack by
thieves, arrest by police, frequent illness, road accidents, attack by colleagues and ritual attacks.
However, the children have developed survival strategies that enable them to cope with their
situation. In order to prevent more children moving onto the streets of Iwo road of Ibadan, it is
suggested that the government of Nigeria should allocate special funds to support poor families,
and especially children who have been pushed onto the street due to their neglect and
disadvantaged family background. Social workers can educate and sensitize families and
communities about the emotional, physical, social and developmental needs of children in the
street and the dangers involved so that children can be prevented from moving to stay in the street.
Eastern Network, L (2021). Experiences Of Street Children In Iwo Road Of Ibadan, Nigeria. Afribary.com: Retrieved April 10, 2021, from https://afribary.com/works/experiences-of-street-children-in-iwo-road-of-ibadan-nigeria
Library, Eastern Network. "Experiences Of Street Children In Iwo Road Of Ibadan, Nigeria" Afribary.com. Afribary.com, 05 Apr. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/experiences-of-street-children-in-iwo-road-of-ibadan-nigeria . Accessed 10 Apr. 2021.
Library, Eastern Network. "Experiences Of Street Children In Iwo Road Of Ibadan, Nigeria". Afribary.com, Afribary.com, 05 Apr. 2021. Web. 10 Apr. 2021. < https://afribary.com/works/experiences-of-street-children-in-iwo-road-of-ibadan-nigeria >.
Library, Eastern Network. "Experiences Of Street Children In Iwo Road Of Ibadan, Nigeria" Afribary.com (2021). Accessed April 10, 2021. https://afribary.com/works/experiences-of-street-children-in-iwo-road-of-ibadan-nigeria