Understanding the Phenomenon of Street Children in Lome, Togo

บทคัดย่อ

This study focused on investigating the causes of the phenomenon of street children in Lomé and the challenges they face. The study applied a qualitative method based on documentary research and interviews of 20 participants composed of public services, international organizations and private sectors, and community leaders as well as parents living in the city of Lomé.  This article addressed the different causes of this phenomenon of street children in Lomé with particular emphasis on the contribution of urbanization as one of the important causes of this phenomenon. The findings showed that the weakness of the existing public-private-people partnership does not make it possible to provide lasting responses to the needs of street children. The study proposes to revitalize the partnership between the different actors. The government must develop and implement a protection policy that addresses the problems of children. The concerned organizations must put in place basic social services at all levels to avoid the displacement of parents and children to the country's major cities. With the improvement of the public-private-people partnership strategy in collaboratively solving the phenomenon of street children, Togo will be able to reduce the level of poverty through job creation and higher living standard for young people.