Push and Pull Factors of Child Work: Implications for Life Skills Development Among Children in Semi-Urban Centres in Cameroon

Abstract

This study investigatedthe push and pull factors of child work among school-going children in Fako Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. It was largely descriptive and adopted the mixed methods design. Data collected with the use of a questionnaire from a purposively selectedsample of seventy-six (76) school-going child workers. Among the 76 working children, five (05) were purposivelyselected and interviewed with the aid of an interview guide. The study was carried out in some semi-urban centres in Fako Division of Cameroon. Data wereanalysed by calculating frequencies, percentages; weighted means (μ) and standard deviations (σ). Among others, findings revealed that child workers engaged in work for economic, socialisation and responsible behaviour reasons. The study showed that child work in Africa is a reality for both cultural and economic reasons. Work inthe African culture aims at socialising, training and educating a child to become responsible inthe family, kin and community at large. Furthermore work contributes to child development and child workers who follow a proper school-and-work programme tend to acquire many life skills needed for survival in the changing world. It is therefore rewarding to focus on the benefits of child work and reconsider the fight against it. Parents and children should plan work activities such that theydonot interfere with school activities of workingchildren.

Keywords: Child work; Push and pull factors of work; Life skills