The Lived Experiences of Safety and Insecurity of Street Children in Masaka, Uganda
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Issue Date
2025
Editor
Authors
Hadwell, Nichola
License
Subject
School of humanitarian studies
Abstract
This explorative research provides insight into how street children in Masaka, Uganda, experience safety and insecurity. It proposes that if policymakers and communities understand how children make meaning of their lived experiences, they can better inform protective measures, agency, and support. Providing street children with a safe space to voice their needs offers potential solutions and promotes opportunities for belonging. The project employed a qualitative approach focusing on a small sample size of six street children. Centred on phenomenological inquiry, the research encompassed theoretical underpinnings of an ecological systems model of child development and concepts of identity. Participatory action-based research allowed for a cross-sectional approach using interviews, art-based methods, group work and observations. These tactics delivered rich data highlighting everyday needs, interests and experiences to provide a safe space for street children to have agency and inclusion. The study may assist future research in bridging the gap between pre-existing policy intent and actual outcomes.
Findings demonstrate that child participants lived experiences affected their ability to create healthy trusting relationships, a sense of belonging, and a connection to their community. This contrasted with their identity and required needs to survive on the streets. The most important data presented in the analysis is the need to be heard; it became apparent that the children lacked a voice. In addition, there appeared to be a conflict between community and caregiver expectations and the children’s ability to meet their need for safety. Intersectional and culturally relevant understanding of values, thoughts and beliefs conflicted with survival needs on the streets. Consequently, it inhibited a sense of connection, belonging and communication.
Keywords: Children, safety, security, living on the streets, identity, Phenomenology
Description
2025