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This report outlines the planning, implementation, preliminary findings, and constraints faced during a child poverty study in Sierra Leone. It covers research planning, team composition, data collection, policy objectives, and FGD outcomes. The report highlights the impact of poverty on children, including lack of access to education, involvement in labor, and exposure to various forms of exploitation. Challenges in data collection are discussed, along with next steps for improving research accuracy.
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Global Child Poverty Study Sierra Leone Report to the Regional Workshop in Abidjan 12th -14th February 2008
Outline of the Presentation • Planning the research • Implementation of the Research • Preliminary findings of the research • Constraints in implementing the research • Next steps in finalising the research
Planning the research • Country Specific TOR based on the Global Study Guide was developed in November 07 • TOR submitted to New York for approval • Study team was identified comprising: • Team leader formerly from the University • 2 members from the National Statistical Authority • 2 members from the University • 1 member from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development • UNICEF Focal Point for the study
Planning the research • Contractual agreement between UNICEF and study team • Distribution of tasks among the local consultants: • Division of study team into three sub-groups (Statistical, Policy, FGD) • Brainstorming sessions organized among the sub-groups to understand the study guide and templates • Identification and evaluation data sources – national and international
Implementation of the Research Work plan was developed for each of the three sub-groups resulting in • Weekly meetings of the study team to report on progress of each sub-group • Planning the next phase of the study • Interaction between statistical and policy teams to ensure synergy in the research • Agreeing on modalities for the conduct of the FGD research
Progress reports on research Statistical template: Data has been collected on the following tables: • Table 1.1.1 – Population pyramid based on projections from 2004 National Population and Housing Census • Table 1.1.3 – Estimated number of children affected by deprivation targeted by the MDGs • Table 1.1.4 – Number of females according to various characteristics • Table 1.1.5 – Number of males according to various characteristics • Table 1.1.6 Country data from the official UN site for MDG indicators • Table 1.2.1 – Population and Economic Growth since 1990
Progress reports on research Statistical template: Data has been collected on the following tables • Table 1.2.3 – Structure of the Economy 2005 • Table 2.2.2 – Under-five mortality rates and correlates • Table 3.1.1 – Child Nutrition outcomes and its correlates • Table 3.2.1 – Young child health outcomes, related care and correlates • Table 3.3.1 - Birth registration and its correlates • Table 3.3.2 – Orphanhood, child vulnerability and correlates • Table 3.3.3 – Child labour and its correlates • Table 3.3.4 – Early marriage and its correlates • Table 3.4.1 – School attendance and correlates
Progress reports on research Policy Template: Data has been collected on the following tables • Table 1. Key policy objectives in the social sector • Table 1.2.3 – Structure of the Economy • Table 2. Public Expenditure and Aid • Table 3.1.1 – Child Nutrition Outcome and correlates
Progress reports on research Focus Group Discussion: Information collected from children aged 13 – 17 years • 140 children (boys and girls) school going and out of school • Information collected in urban and rural localities • In all 4 regions of the country
Progress reports on research Issues on which the children were interviewed • Meaning and Identification poverty • Age and gender differentials of poverty • Children’s participation in household and community level discussions • Punishment and protection of children • Methods of improving living conditions of poor people including children • Methods of improving the situation of girls
Preliminary findings of the FGD • Every child has experienced effects of poverty – most of the children regard poverty as lack of basic necessities • Poverty is getting worse as a result more and more children are involved in labour to augment household earnings • Main categories of people experiencing extreme poverty are beggars, street children, blind people, amputees, mentally challenged and children who cannot go to school
Preliminary findings of the FGD Contd. • All children agree lack of access to school is a form of extreme poverty • Minimal involvement of children in family and community discussions/decision making • Most children are exposed to corporal punishment and they seem to approve of it as a form of disciplinary measure • Many children are exposed to sexual harassment and exploitation especially the girl child
Constraints in implementing the research • Available data do not match the requirements of some of the statistical tables, e.g. table 1.1.4 cross tabulating single parentage with age groups of children • In most of the tables absolute numbers are requested instead of proportions for a number of indicators e.g. Under weight children < 5 years. This is problematic for regional comparisons
Next Steps • Consultation with the International Consultants (Bristol University Team) • Completion of statistical and policy templates • Preparation of preliminary country report • In-country validation of the preliminary report with stakeholders • Preparation of final country report
