An chua? (Have you eaten yet?) : assessing non-formal education for street youth in Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract

Many citizens of the developing world do not receive or have limited access to some of the most basic resources and of these citizens some of the most vulnerable are street youth. The numbers of youth on the street are on the rise globally. The motivations to move to the streets are varied; however youth share some of the same vulnerabilities associated with living and working on the streets.

Despite the importance placed on education by governments, multilateral and civil society organizations as an important development strategy, street youth do not receive adequate, if any, schooling. As a result of formal education failing to reach street youth, alternative forms of learning are needed. Non-formal education for street youth is structured to provide an alternative means to the formal education pedagogy.

Street youth in Vietnam are at great risk of falling prey to dangers such as violence, abuse and disease and have limited access to social support such as medical, educational and housing facilities. There have been few responses to address the street youth phenomena, many of which do not address the causes and vulnerabilities associated with living on the streets. This thesis however, will show how KOTO, a non-formal education programme for street youth in Hanoi, Vietnam not only provides skills and knowledge required for employment but self-esteem, an important human condition which is important for individuals to contribute to their social and economic circumstances, which is integral to the development of nations.