summary of findings on the effectiveness of measures adopted by the government to tackle street begging by children in urban areas in Enugu State?

The findings suggest that the measures adopted by the government to tackle street begging by children in urban areas in Enugu State have been largely ineffective. Despite the implementation of various programs and initiatives, such as awareness campaigns, rehabilitation centers, and skill development programs, the problem of street begging by children persists in the state.

One of the main reasons for the ineffectiveness of these measures is the lack of proper implementation and enforcement. Many of the programs are not adequately funded or monitored, leading to limited impact on the ground. Additionally, there is a lack of coordination among different government agencies and stakeholders involved in addressing the issue, leading to a fragmented approach.

Furthermore, the root causes of street begging, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and family breakdown, have not been adequately addressed. Without addressing these underlying issues, it is unlikely that the problem of street begging by children will be effectively tackled in Enugu State.

Overall, the findings suggest that there is a need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing street begging by children in urban areas in Enugu State. This should involve increased funding for programs, better coordination among stakeholders, and a focus on addressing the root causes of the issue.

Summary of Findings on the Effectiveness of Government Measures to Tackle Street Begging by Children in Urban Areas in Enugu State

Background: Street begging by children is a persistent problem in Enugu State, raising concerns about child welfare, public safety, and urban aesthetics. The Enugu State government has implemented various measures to address this issue.

Measures Adopted:

- Enactment of Prohibition Law: The Child Rights Law (2020) prohibits street begging by children and imposes penalties on offenders.
- Establishment of Rehabilitation Centers: Government-run centers provide shelter, education, and skills training for beggars removed from the streets.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Mass media campaigns sensitize the public about the harmful effects of street begging and the importance of reporting offenders.
- Enforcement of the Law: Police and social welfare officials actively enforce the prohibition law, apprehending beggars and perpetrators.

Effectiveness:

Positive Findings:

- Reduced Begging Activity: Since the implementation of the measures, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of children begging on the streets of Enugu.
- Improved Child Welfare: Rehabilitation centers provide essential services, including education and medical care, for children who were previously exploited by beggars.
- Increased Public Support: Awareness campaigns have fostered greater understanding of the issue and mobilized support for measures to protect children.

Challenges and Limitations:

- Poverty and Unemployment: Poverty and lack of employment opportunities drive some parents to use children for begging.
- Lack of Adequate Resources: Rehabilitation centers face resource constraints, limiting their capacity to accommodate and support all rescued children.
- Evasion of Enforcement: Some beggars employ tactics to evade police and social welfare officials.
- Weak Enforcement: Inconsistent and lenient enforcement of the prohibition law undermines its effectiveness.

Conclusion:

While the government measures have shown some success in reducing street begging by children in Enugu State, challenges remain. Poverty, lack of resources, and weak enforcement hinder the full eradication of this practice. Sustained efforts, including collaboration with NGOs and community-based initiatives, are necessary to address the underlying causes and ensure the protection of children's rights.