Education and future dreams: Are we excluding children in alternative care?

Abstract

Background: Education is a right of every child, according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Education allows children to shape and dream about their future. The objective of this study is to describe access, perceptions of education and perspectives on future of children aged 10-18 years residing in alternative care settings in Western province. Method: This was a mixed-method study as part of a larger study conducted on alternative care policy in the Western province from May to July 2023. Direct observations of the 20 alternative care institutions were carried out using an observation checklist. Qualitative data was collected from 04 focus groups and 12 in-depth interviews of children aged 10-18 years in 11 alternative care settings. Ethical approval was obtained by the SLCP ethics review committee. Results: Alternative care settings studied included remand homes, approved/ certified schools, child development centres and NGO-based family-like settings. Three out of 20 settings had mandatory school-aged children who were not attending school. Two of these settings had some informal arrangements for education. However, 18 institutions communicated with the educational teams to monitor the progress of the children. All 20 had a library facility, while only 15 had a computer facility. Qualitative data revealed themes regarding their education and aspirations for the future. In various settings, children's perceptions of their education were diverse. There was mixed enthusiasm for education, with most wishing to complete at least the ordinary-level examination to secure a reasonable future. They felt that additional support for learning and IT facilities was inadequate. Students expressed different dreams for their future. Majority held very modest goals, likely influenced by their backgrounds. They often lack the encouragement from society that their peers receive to achieve their dreams. Conclusions: This data shows that children in alternative care settings do not have equitable access to educational opportunities. As a result, their perspectives on the future are limited, hindering their ability to dream.