Child migration and education in Ghana: The nexus and intricacies

Abstract

The nexus between child migration and education is varied and complex. While some liken it to an end to the ambitions of migrant children, evidence is emerging to support the contrary. In less developed countries as Ghana, many children migrate to accumulate wealth to finance their education or access well-resourced schools at urban destinations. This would not have been possible if they stayed in their rural deprived origins. However, the intricacies of the nexus are yet to be clearly and deeply understood. In this paper, the linkages between migration and the education of children are explored using in-depth interviews with 35 migrant children in Accra and Bongo district. Some of these children migrated during school holidays and returned to continue schooling when schools reopen. Whereas the linkages were mostly negative for children who could no longer continue schooling, it was observed to be positive for others who were fortunate to access well-resourced schools at their destinations. Moreover, effects were mixed for a third category who, although could no longer continue with their education, were nonetheless pursuing other opportunities of skills acquisition through apprenticeship. Therefore, more targeted efforts and strategies are needed to ensure that children who migrate do not lose out of formal education while improving the socio-economic push conditions at their sending communities.

Keywords: child migration, education, nexus, intricacies, schooling