Formal Education and the Transformation of Street Children (Aguu) in Northern Uganda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33687/ijef.003.04.00167Keywords:
Formal Education, Street Children, Aguu, Transformation, Rehabilitation, Catholic Church, Northern UgandaAbstract
This study aimed to examine formal education and the transformation of street children (Aguu) in Northern Uganda. The study was primarily anchored on Humanistic Theory, with Reintegration Theory serving as a supporting framework. It employed a convergent mixed-methods design, integrating phenomenological and cross-sectional survey designs. The target population comprised street children, community leaders, cultural leaders, and religious leaders from selected districts in Northern Uganda. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. The study used questionnaires to collect quantitative data from street children and in-depth interview guides to collect qualitative data from community, cultural, and religious leaders. The research instruments were validated by research experts, while the reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. Trustworthiness of qualitative data was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, employing descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, while qualitative data were analysed thematically and presented in narrative form supported by relevant direct quotations. The findings indicated that formal education significantly supports the transformation of street children (Aguu) in Northern Uganda. Formal education enhanced literacy, life skills, positive behaviour, self-worth, social relationships, and opportunities for socio-economic reintegration among the rehabilitated children. However, inadequate educational resources, limited access to schools, poverty, negative peer influence, family instability, and irregular school attendance affected the effectiveness of formal education programmes. The study recommends that the Government of Uganda strengthen collaboration with faith-based organisations and increase support for educational programmes targeting street-connected children. It further recommends that the Catholic Church strengthen access to formal education, provide learning resources, support school retention, involve families, and establish continuous educational and post-rehabilitation support to promote the sustainable transformation and reintegration of street children (Aguu) in Northern Uganda.
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