Psychosocial Competencies of Street Children
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Date
2011
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Abstract
Most studies have brought street children to prominence as “a categmy of children whose
life circumstances place them at physical and psychosocial risk”. It was in this context, the
study entitled ‘Psycho-social competencies of street children’ was embarked upon with a
thrust that throigh a designed Life Enrichment Education programme (LEE), the chosen
unprotected section of the children can be encouraged to a hopeful prospect by expanding
their Knowledge/Attitude/Skill (KAS), and thereby constructing them to adopt and practise
socially approved roles. This research conducted in Coimbatore city, TamilNadu, comprised
66 street boys and 52 street girls residing in rehabilitation homes. An interview schedule
was framed to secure adequate information on the lifestyle of the selected street children
in reference to psycho-social issues before and after undergoing LEE. The data collected was
systematically computed and subjected to systematical analysis. The substantial leap of the
KAS percentage and the ‘t’ value significant at 1 per cent level with regard to the selected
psycho-social issues (social development, emotional behaviour and decision making ability)
designate that the LEE programme had made a better headway in the minds of the selected
street children. As the promotion and protection of street children’s life is dependent on
education, altitudinal changes in behaviour and confidence to lead an independent life, the
society should frame suitable strategies to mould their livelihood, which can be made possible
with Life Enrichment Education.