The socio-economic challenges experienced by children as a result of parental migration to the diaspora: A case study of ward 6, Maramba in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe district.
- Author
- Chakuwana, Rumbidzo
- Title
- The socio-economic challenges experienced by children as a result of parental migration to the diaspora: A case study of ward 6, Maramba in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe district.
- Abstract
- The study aimed at exploring the socio-economic challenges faced by children left behind by parents in the diaspora, in ward 6, Maramba. It focused and targeted on exploring the nature of socio-economic challenges faced by children left behind by parents in the diaspora, establishing coping mechanisms employed by these children, as well as identifying the consequences of the challenges they face. The research employed a phenomenological research design and it was qualitative in nature. The study was grounded on the ecological systems theory which was used in interpreting and analyzing data. From the target population the researcher employed purposive sampling to select 20 participants. 14 participants were children ranging from age 13 to 17 and both in either primary school or secondary school. Many of these children left behind are staying with their relatives as caregivers especially grandparents, aunts and uncles. Migrant parents are usually mothers or both parents due to the increase of economic hardship in the whole country. Most of them work in countries such as South Africa and they mostly employed in low paid jobs without job security which has resulted in inconsistent and insufficient remittances. The other 6 were key informants who have experience of caring for or working on cases involving these children left behind. These involved a caregiver, community childcare worker and a teacher. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions on both key informants and participants. Through thematic analysis various themes and patterns were identified emerging from the study. The research highlighted that parental migration has devastating consequences on the children left behind, such as dropping out of school, sexual abuse, child labour, early child marriage as well as mental health issues. To a certain extent only a few children benefit from remittances which can be considered as the solely advantage of parental migration to children left behind. The study calls for the government to have tailored targeted programs and policies to support children left behind. It is emphasizing a proactive approach in the provision of a social support network which promoted access to economic opportunities, counseling services, and educational resources. This will encourage resilience and capacity of the children to cope with these challenges as well as promoting their well-being. The study emphasizes on provision of counselling and training programs for caregivers to improve their ability to support left behind children.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Diaspora
- Parental Migration
- Supervisor
- Mr. L. T. Shoniwa
- Item sets
- Department of Social Work
- Media
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Chakuwana, Rumbidzo.pdf