focus group discussions with quotes on the problems, both to the beggars and society associated with street begging by children in urban areas of Enugu State?

1. "It's heartbreaking to see young children begging on the streets instead of being in school and getting an education. This cycle of poverty needs to be broken."

2. "The children who beg on the streets are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. They are at risk of being trafficked or forced into criminal activities."

3. "Society often turns a blind eye to the issue of child begging, but we need to address the root causes and provide support for these children and their families."

4. "Street begging perpetuates the cycle of poverty and hinders the development of these children. We need to find sustainable solutions to address this problem."

5. "The presence of child beggars on the streets reflects a failure of the government and society to provide adequate social services and support for vulnerable families."

6. "Children who beg on the streets are often malnourished and lack access to basic healthcare. This has long-term consequences for their physical and mental well-being."

7. "The stigma associated with street begging can have a lasting impact on the children's self-esteem and future opportunities. We need to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for these children."

8. "The presence of child beggars on the streets also poses a safety risk for both the children themselves and the general public. We need to address this issue urgently."

9. "The lack of enforcement of laws against child begging allows this practice to continue unchecked. We need stronger measures to protect these vulnerable children."

10. "Ultimately, we need a multi-faceted approach to address the complex issues surrounding child begging in urban areas. This includes providing education, healthcare, and social support for these children and their families."

Focus Group Discussions on Street Begging by Children in Enugu State

Problem Quotes

Begging Groups:

- "The beggars are everywhere, and they are becoming increasingly aggressive." (Male, 25 years old)
- "I feel sorry for them, but I also feel like they are taking advantage of people's sympathy." (Female, 30 years old)
- "The children who beg are exposed to all sorts of dangers on the streets, including violence, sexual abuse, and drug addiction." (Female, 40 years old)

Society:

- "Street begging creates a sense of insecurity in our communities." (Male, 35 years old)
- "The beggars often litter the streets and make it unsightly." (Female, 28 years old)
- "Begging can lead to dependency and discourage people from seeking sustainable employment." (Male, 40 years old)

Quotes from Children Who Beg:

- "I beg because I don't have any other way to earn money." (Boy, 12 years old)
- "I'm afraid of being beaten if I don't beg enough." (Girl, 10 years old)
- "I wish I could go to school instead of begging, but my parents can't afford it." (Boy, 14 years old)

Focus Group Discussion Facilitator:

"These quotes highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the problem of street begging by children in urban areas of Enugu State. It is clear that both the beggars and society face significant challenges because of this practice."

Recommendations:

- Implement comprehensive programs to provide alternative income sources for children and their families.
- Establish safe and supervised shelters for children who beg.
- Enforce laws against child begging and provide support for children who are rescued from begging situations.
- Educate the public about the dangers of street begging and encourage people to report suspected cases of child exploitation.
- Collaborate with NGOs and social welfare organizations to provide long-term support and rehabilitation for children who have been involved in begging.