A follow up study into children’s knowledge of their rights and feelings of protection

Summary

In 2012, Mkombozi conducted a baseline study measuring children’s knowledge, attitudes and practices towards their rights and feelings of protection. Additionally, the baseline study investigated the extent of vulnerability and violence towards children in Mkombozi’s target areas, as these are often the root causes that force children to migrate to the streets. The study revealed that the majority of children in Mkombozi’s target areas have an understanding of what their rights are, but that a large number of children do not feel protected within their communities, as physical punishment is often used as a form of discipline both at home and in schools. This data showed the importance of Mkombozi’s work with parents and teachers to find alternative, non-violent forms of discipline. At the beginning of 2014, Mkombozi conducted a follow-up study to the 2012 baseline study, in order to show the impact of Mkombozi’s work with children and communities over the past two years. The results will be used to help inform Mkombozi’s future work and programme planning in order to address the root causes that drive children to the streets.