present focus group discussion sessions with children in urban areas of Enugu State and their responses to the factors that encourage street begging by children in urban areas of Enugu State?

Focus Group Discussion Session with Children in Urban Areas of Enugu State

Facilitator: Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for this focus group discussion. Today, we will be talking about the factors that encourage street begging by children in urban areas of Enugu State. Let's start by introducing ourselves.

Participant 1: My name is Chika and I am 12 years old.

Participant 2: I am Ngozi and I am 10 years old.

Participant 3: My name is Emeka and I am 11 years old.

Facilitator: Thank you for introducing yourselves. Now, let's discuss the factors that encourage street begging by children in urban areas of Enugu State. What do you think are some of the reasons why children beg on the streets?

Participant 1: I think some children beg on the streets because they don't have parents to take care of them.

Participant 2: Yes, I agree. Some children beg because their parents are too poor to provide for them.

Participant 3: I also think that some children beg because they see other children doing it and think it's an easy way to make money.

Facilitator: Those are all valid points. Can you think of any other factors that might encourage street begging by children in urban areas?

Participant 1: I think some children beg because they are forced to by older people who exploit them.

Participant 2: Yes, I have seen some children begging with adults who make them do it.

Participant 3: I also think that some children beg because they have no other options for survival.

Facilitator: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's clear that there are many complex factors that contribute to street begging by children in urban areas of Enugu State. As we wrap up our discussion, is there anything else you would like to add?

Participant 1: I think it's important for the government and community leaders to provide support and resources for children who are at risk of street begging.

Participant 2: Yes, I agree. Children should have access to education and healthcare so they don't have to resort to begging.

Participant 3: I think we should also raise awareness about the dangers of street begging and work together to find solutions to this problem.

Facilitator: Thank you all for your valuable insights. Your voices are important in addressing the issue of street begging by children in urban areas of Enugu State. Let's continue to work together to create a better future for all children in our community. Thank you for participating in this focus group discussion.

Focus Group Discussion Session 1

Participants: 12 children aged 8-12 years, living in the urban area of Enugu State, Nigeria.

Moderator: "Today, we're going to talk about the reasons why some children beg on the streets in Enugu. Can you all share your thoughts on this issue?"

Key Responses:

- "I beg on the streets because my parents don't have jobs and they need money to feed us." (Boy, 10 years old)
- "I don't have a father, and my mother is sick. I beg on the streets to help my mother with medical expenses." (Girl, 9 years old)
- "I like to beg because I get free food and money from people." (Boy, 8 years old)
- "I beg because I want to buy toys and sweets." (Girl, 11 years old)

Focus Group Discussion Session 2

Participants: 10 children aged 13-15 years, living in the urban area of Enugu State, Nigeria.

Moderator: "In addition to the factors you mentioned earlier, what other reasons do you think encourage children to beg on the streets?"

Key Responses:

- "Some parents encourage their children to beg because they make money from it." (Boy, 15 years old)
- "Street begging is a way for some children to escape problems at home, like abuse or neglect." (Girl, 13 years old)
- "Children from rural areas often migrate to cities and end up begging on the streets because they have no other options." (Boy, 14 years old)
- "The availability of easy money on the streets attracts children to begging." (Girl, 15 years old)

Conclusions:

- Poverty and joblessness among parents are significant factors that push children into street begging.
- Medical expenses and a desire for material possessions also contribute to the problem.
- Some children are encouraged to beg by their parents or use it as a way to cope with difficult home situations.
- Lack of opportunities in rural areas and the lure of easy money in cities further entice children into street begging.