Focus Group Discussion 1
Participants:
- Six individuals (three male, three female) from diverse backgrounds
- Age range: 25-45
Moderator:
- Facilitates the discussion and ensures all voices are heard
Instructions:
- Show participants a poster of a motherless baby holding a sign that reads "Please help."
- Ask participants to share their initial reactions and thoughts.
Discussion:
Participant 1 (Female, 30): It's heartbreaking. I feel sympathy for the baby, but also concern about the ethics of using their image for begging.
Participant 2 (Male, 40): It's exploitative. These babies are being used as props to manipulate people's emotions into giving money.
Participant 3 (Female, 25): I agree. It's sad, but it's also wrong to use children like this.
Participant 4 (Male, 35): I think there's a balance. While it's important to protect children, we also need to acknowledge the need for these babies to receive support.
Participant 5 (Female, 40): There should be stricter regulations on this type of begging. It's not fair to subject children to this.
Participant 6 (Male, 30): I think it's important to consider the long-term effects on the children involved. They may face stigma and exploitation later in life.
Summary:
- Participants were concerned about the ethics of using motherless babies for alms begging and believed it was exploitative.
- They agreed that there should be stricter regulations to protect children from this type of activity.
- They also emphasized the importance of considering the long-term effects on the babies involved.
Focus Group Discussion 2
Participants:
- Eight individuals (four male, four female) with experience working in child welfare or social services
- Age range: 35-55
Moderator:
- Guides the discussion and ensures expert perspectives are shared
Instructions:
- Show participants a series of pictures of motherless babies being used for alms begging.
- Ask participants to discuss the ethical, legal, and social implications of this practice.
Discussion:
Participant 1 (Female, 50): This is a clear violation of child protection laws. Children should not be used for commercial exploitation.
Participant 2 (Male, 45): It's not only illegal, but it's also harmful to the children. They may suffer from physical and emotional neglect.
Participant 3 (Female, 35): I agree. It's important to remember that these babies are not orphaned but are often taken from their families or exploited by criminal gangs.
Participant 4 (Male, 40): There needs to be increased public awareness about this issue and stricter enforcement of laws.
Participant 5 (Female, 55): It's also important to address the underlying poverty and social factors that contribute to this problem.
Participant 6 (Male, 45): We need to provide alternative ways for families to care for their children without resorting to begging.
Summary:
- Participants condemned the use of motherless babies for alms begging as unethical, illegal, and harmful to the children involved.
- They emphasized the need for stricter law enforcement, increased public awareness, and targeted social programs to address the root causes of this issue.