The Psychosocial and Educational Problems of Children Who Head Families in Mekelle City
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial and educational
problems of children heading families in Mekelle. Data were collectedfromfour children
who head families, four immediate neighbors of these children and six teachers who
taught the children. In-depth interviews were held with the four children who head
families and their neighbors using interview guides. Observation was also employed in
home and school of the children who head families. The data were organized and
analyzed in the form of independent case studies. Cross case analysis was also done to
develop a greater insight into the general theme investigated into. Results of the study
showed that children who head families faced different psychosocial and educational
problems. Socially, they experienced various problems like low social relations, lack of
friends, discrimination and stigmatization by their neighbors and village friends.
Psychologically, they suffer from the feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, depression,
fear, worries, conjilsion, stress, anger, discomfort and a lack self corifidence and low self
esteem. The educational problems include reaching late to school, missing class, inability
to complete homework and involve in group home aSSignments. The children who head
families, in order to deal with their psychosocial and educational problems request
different supports such as financial, tutorial and vocational training. They used religion,
telling to friend, playing, engaging in work, joining school, partiCipating in different
social activities, enjoying with their siblings, perseverance and patience, as the major
coping strategies to cope with their problems. The study concluded that the children who
head families face various psychosocial and educational problems which require
different support to deal with their problems. Keeping in view the very nature and
consequences of the psychosocial and educational problems of children headingfamilies,
the study recommends afew remedial measures with an objective of enriching the lives of
children heading families
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Keywords
children ;heading; families