Hagos, Ashenafi (PhD)Wolde, Fikru2018-06-192023-11-042018-06-192023-11-042017-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/1704This research aims to understand the experience of poor children beyond poverty who are supported by Genete Eyesus Child and Family Development Program. Data were gathered using in-depth interview and observation. A total of 10 respondents, between 14 to 18 years of age were used. The research employed qualitative, descriptive phenomenological approach to describe the experience of poor children. Children considered in this study shared their life experience as a life lacking happiness. The children blame their families for the challenges they face in life and for their unhappy life. The study revealed that shouldering household responsibilities and burdens, absence of parental support, social discrimination, sexual harassment by their own biological parent, and lack and denial of acceptance for their ideas within the family are challenges of the children that had left a negative print in their minds. The main challenges that poor children are facing in their daily lives include: missing basic needs, receiving inappropriate treatment and being exposed to various types of abuses and neglect. The study indicated that even though children are affected by lack of materials, they prioritize love and care from parents and society as a major risk factor to their wellbeing. Children from their own parents and caregivers in the households appear to be abused emotionally and physically. Children who lack family love and care tried to commit suicide, desire to commit patricide and matricide, feel lonely, depressed due to the influence they face in their household and society. Poor children are not passive victims of various socio cultural induced challenges. They actively employ coping strategies such as praying, peer support, and performing different mental relaxation activities to tackle their problems. However, there is minimal counseling service and no recreation activities in the studied organization that is necessary to help the affected children, which requires proper intervention in the area to improve the wellbeing of the affected childrenenPsychosocial Challenges; Poor Children Experience; Child PovertyThesis