The Successes and Challenges of Reintegrating Street Children through Nonformal Education in Maputo City, Mozambique

The objective of the research was to explore challenges and successes that street children centres encounter while reintegrating and educating their children. Research questions divide in two: what kind of nonformal education is available for street children in certain organisations and what are the challenges and successes of children's nonformal education and the reintegration process? Research targets are two centres, a closed and an open one in Maputo city, Mozambique. The research approach was based on ethnographic and theoretical framework of constructs of socialization process, nonformal education and street children intervention models. Besides this, previous studies of street children have been examined to gain understanding and reflections about the street children phenomenon. The research made use of participatory observation, document readings and semi-structured interviews both for children and workers during five month field work period. The data analysis was done through thematic division and using a SWOT frame. Findings of the study demonstrate that successes of these centres were satisfied children, successful reintegration, and ability to provide for children's primary needs, relatively satisfied workers and encouraging approaches of the centres. Opportunity for children to receive education at various levels was a strength of both centres. Better success of the reintegration process and children's education could be achieved through improving the cooperation and coordination of the centres, training the workers and continuing to listen and raise awareness of street children and their rights. Findings also uncovered elements that are considered as challenges for both centres. These were lack of financing, centre's limitation due to location and space available, limited educational opportunities and relevance of education. In addition both workers and children had some motivation problems, emotional challenges and dissatisfaction in the centres. Threats to these centres were poverty, poor family relations, lack of cooperation and coordination of the various street children centres, society's poor attitude and difficulties and temptations of street life and culture. To prevent the street children phenomenon from growing, governments should provide more open and flexible educational possibilities. Also at the global and local level people should think how to create and strengthen the sense of belonging to communities in positive ways. Then for the children, hopefully the street does not become the only option with its hardships and cruelties. Keywords: Street children, nonformal education, socialization, reintegration, developing country