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Global Child Poverty Study. Sierra Leone Report to the Regional Workshop in Abidjan 12 th -14 th February 2008. Outline of the Presentation. Planning the research Implementation of the Research Preliminary findings of the research Constraints in implementing the research
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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