Communication Strategies with Former Street Children: A Case Study of Mully Children's Family Homes

Abstract

This study examined persuasive communication strategies used by the staff (professionals caregivers) at Mully Children's Family Homes (MCF) in rehabilitating former street children under their care at Ndalani and Eldoret Homes, Kenya. The study established the status of former street children prior to their rescue from the streets and their current situation after having been in either of the two MCF Homes for at least five months. The study focused on the change communication messages and the approaches used in bringing belief, attitude and behaviour change in the former street children. A compliance gaining persuasive communication strategy model developed by Maxwell and Schimitt (in Fisher, 1987 pp.231-232) was used as the analytical tool. The fieldwork involved interviews with 48 children, 5 members of the staff, the MCF founder, Mr.Mulli, and focus group discussions with the children in each of the MCF homes. Data collected were analyzed qualitatively through establishing the emerging patterns and themes. Generally, the study revealed the importance of persuasion in the process of rehabilitating but recognized utilization of other strategies leading to a holistic approach. For the rehabilitation of street children to be faster, more effec- tive and more efficient there was need for the professional caregivers (staff) to understand the street children's worldview. Also essential would be a more pragmatic approach to a street children prevention and intervention involving various sectors of society where the problem manifests itself.