Action for Children in Conflict

Collecting & Using data for positive changeEleanor Harrison, AfCiC Kenya

Director

• To introduce you to the work of AfCiC

• To share our experiences of data collection, analysis & implementation for street children, Thika, Kenya

Aims

• Introductions• AfCiC Overview• Focus on street census today• Collecting accurate data on street

children• Accurate Data Analysis • Implementing findings• Key recommendations

Agenda

• Importance of relationships

• Eleanor Harrison• Director AfCiC June 07 - • You • Your name• What is your brief?• What interests you in

terms of data collection and street children?

Introductions: Me, You & AfCiC

• Work directly with street & other acutely vulnerable children in wider Thika District, Kenya

• Comprehensive, holistic services – practical, education, psycho-social & economic

• Employ 29 local staff & 1 expat (me)• Turnover: Ksh40 million• Last year directly supported 3612

children & their families• Commitment to the whole family

Introductions: Me, You & AfCiC

Thika context•45km North of Nairobi•Industrial town•Both wealth & poverty•Maternal inheritance amongst Kikuyu’s•Access to education

Pre Data Collection Basics for a Street Census

•What do you want to know?•Why?•What are you going to do with the information once you have it?•What is the best way to obtain this information?•Do you have the resources?

Collecting Data: Street Censuses

•How often are you going to collect this data?•Who do you need information from? •What are the risk factors?•Who needs to know before, during and after this data collection exercise?•Who needs to participate in the data collection?•What do those you are collecting the data from think about it? Do you have buy in?

Critical Requirements

•Importance of trust•Importance of food•Knowledge & experience of local situation•Timing

Collecting Data: Street Censuses

•AfCiC coordinated censuses in 2004, 2007, 2009 & 2011 census planned next week!•Census Reports available•Comprehensive Street Child Strategy May 2011

What works? What doesnt work?Mistakes 2004/2007 How addressed 2009/2011

Non-familiar interviewers used Only experienced, familiar outreach workers used as interviewers

Insufficient survey form briefing – resulting in unreliable data

In-depth pre census training compulsory. Debriefs after each shift to identify problems

Central bases = other vulnerable children participated. Timing.

24 hour census directly on street in week

Slow to analyse the data Volunteer identified to lead analysis

Financial cost higher due to central hosting

Shared ownership. All organisations covered costs. No central hosting.

Other street children populations near Thika excluded

Ruiru & Makongeni included 2009, Juja & Waithiere added 2011

Limited ownership & sharing of findings

Street Children Steering Committee