Abstract: This report discusses my field experiences with street-connected children during my graduate study entitled, Social World of Street-Connected Children: Peer Friendship, Group Life, and Street Subculture . In this field report, I describe some of the challenges I faced in gaining access to the research setting and engaging potential child participants. Specifically, I highlight two issues that I encountered during interactions with street-connected children: their resistance to “outsiders” and their lack of interest in study participation. Working through these challenges emphasized the importance of ethical considerations throughout the research process when involving vulnerable populations like street-connected children, and highlights that children are agents in matters pertaining to their rights, and have a say in whether or not they want to be part of a study. This report indicates the importance of patience, flexibility, persistence, and openness to adjusting research plans for addressing access issues, and emphasizes that it is crucial to approach street-connected children with sensitivity and respect to build trust and establish positive relationships.
Kaleab Fikre (Wed,) studied this question.