LEARNING SKILLS OF THE STREET CHILDREN IN METRO CEBU

Abstract

Street children are the common problem of developing countries such as Philippines. This study aimed to assess the overall scenario of the street children in Metro Cebu by mapping out the areas where they usually stay, their activities and the possibilities of educating them and to determine their learning competencies in the area of basic reading skills and functional mathematics. One hundred and eight (108) respondents were selected from different barangays in Metro Cebu using simple random sampling techniques, administered by means of questionnaires and interview guide. Family background, educational qualification, occupation of their parents, and establishing the common places where they stay both in day and night time were obtained. Children interviewed were between 5 and 15 years of age. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. The study revealed that most of the street children are not in school, because they either dropped out or have not been to school since birth. Furthermore, most of them were living in the street selling candies and cigarettes, and roaming about as beggars or scavengers. They cannot read nor recognized letters in the alphabet. The study also disclosed that they are educable and willing to learn, provided proper attention and intervention should be given to them. The study concluded that street children need proper care by providing them with the right amount of nutritious foods they need and encouraging them to value-laden education that will develop their potential in the academe and making them functional literate. Therefore, quality education should be afforded to children for they are the hope of our country.