Faith-based organizations’ strategies and welfare of street children, A case of Lira City

Abstract

Background: The study examined the contributions of Faith Based Organisation to the Welfare of Street Children in Lira City. Specifically, the study examined the effect of Faith Based Organisation Strategies like; preventive strategies, rehabilitation strategies, outreach strategies and Collaboration strategies on the welfare of street children. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive study design, which employed a mixed method approach of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population consisted of 219 which included Lira City Official, Division Official, CDOs, Town Agents, Local Council Officials, Child Protection Officials, Police Officers and other community members. Simple random sampling technique and purposive sampling, were used to select a sample size of 196 participants. The researcher used self-administered questionnaires to collect quantitative data, interview guide and focus group discussion guide to collect qualitative data. Descriptive statistic (mean, and standard deviation), and inferential statistic (correlation and regression) were used to analyse numerical data. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data from interviews to supplement quantitative data. Findings: The findings revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between Faith Based Strategy had a significant effect on the welfare of street children, rehabilitation also had appositive impact while, outreach strategy and collaborative strategy equally contributed positive effects thus far. Conclusion: The study concludes that Faith Based Strategy significantly affect the welfare of street children in Lira City, northern Uganda. This study contributes an original and empirical evidence of the relationship between Faith Based Strategies and the welfare of street children in Lira City. Recommendation: Therefore , for improved welfare of street children in Lira City , Local Government and other non- state actors are encouraged to mobilize local community to embrace these strategies to ensure the welfare of children in the street ,encouraged cultural and religious institution to play significant roles on the welfare of street , encourage cultural and religious institution to play significant roles on the welfare of the street children and central government should enact strict laws for the protection of street children. Keywords: Faith-based organizations’, strategies, welfare, street children, and Lira City