Project – The Effect of Child Abuse and Neglect on the Educational Performance of children in Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Gamboru-Ngala Borno State.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Child abuse and neglect are significant issues that have been shown to have a profound impact on the educational performance of children. This is particularly true in vulnerable populations, such as those living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, such as those in Borno State.

A study by McLaughlin et al. (2012) found that children who experience abuse or neglect often have lower academic achievement and are more likely to have learning and behavior problems in school. This is thought to be due to the traumatic impact of abuse and neglect on the developing brain, which can affect cognitive functioning and emotional regulation.

In the context of IDP camps, these effects can be exacerbated by the challenging living conditions and lack of access to quality education. A report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF, 2017) on children in IDP camps in Borno State found that many children had missed significant amounts of school due to displacement, and that schools in the camps often lacked the resources to meet their educational needs.

Furthermore, a study by Oyediran and Isiugo-Abanihe (2005) on the educational performance of children in IDP camps in Nigeria found that the trauma of displacement, combined with the physical and emotional abuse many children experience in the camps, had a significant negative impact on their educational performance.

Child abuse and neglect have a significant negative impact on the educational performance of children, and this effect is exacerbated in the challenging conditions of IDP camps. More research is needed to develop interventions to support these vulnerable children and improve their educational outcomes.

• Statement of the Study

Child abuse and neglect is a pervasive issue that has far-reaching implications on the overall development of children. In the context of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Borno State, this problem is particularly acute. The harsh living conditions, coupled with the lack of basic necessities, exacerbate the vulnerability of children to various forms of abuse and neglect. This situation is further compounded by the fact that these children are often separated from their families, leaving them without the necessary support and protection.

The impact of child abuse and neglect on the educational performance of children in these camps is a significant concern. The trauma and stress associated with abuse and neglect can severely affect a child’s cognitive development, emotional well-being, and ability to learn. This, in turn, can lead to poor academic performance, low school attendance, and high dropout rates.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Effect of Child Abuse and Neglect on the Educational Performance of children in Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Gamboru-Ngala, Borno State. The specific objectives are:

1. To investigate the prevalence of child abuse and neglect in the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Gamboru-Ngala, Borno State.
2. To examine the correlation between child abuse and neglect and the educational performance of children in the camp.
3. To identify the specific types of abuse and neglect that are most prevalent in the camp and their individual impacts on children’s education.
4. To explore the coping mechanisms and support systems available for abused and neglected children within the camp.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below

1. What is the prevalence of child abuse and neglect in the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Gamboru-Ngala, Borno State?
2. Is there a correlation between child abuse and neglect and the educational performance of children in the camp?
3. What are the specific types of abuse and neglect that are most prevalent in the camp and what are their individual impacts on children’s education?
4. What coping mechanisms and support systems are available for abused and neglected children within the camp?

 

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement for the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Child abuse and neglect have no significant impact on the educational performance of children in IDP camp.

H1: Child abuse and neglect have significant impact on the educational performance of children in IDP camp.

• Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to shed light on the often overlooked issue of child abuse and neglect within the context of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, specifically in Gamboru-Ngala, Borno State. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of child abuse and neglect in this setting, providing valuable data that can be used to inform interventions and policies. By understanding the extent of the problem, stakeholders can better allocate resources and design programs to address this issue.

Secondly, the study seeks to examine the correlation between child abuse and neglect and the educational performance of children in the camp. This is crucial as education is a fundamental right of every child and a key determinant of their future prospects. If child abuse and neglect are found to significantly impact educational performance, it underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure the children’s right to education is not compromised.

Thirdly, the study aims to identify the specific types of abuse and neglect that are most prevalent in the camp and their individual impacts on children’s education. This information is vital as it can help tailor interventions to the unique needs of the children in the camp. Different types of abuse and neglect may require different responses, and understanding their individual impacts can guide the development of more effective strategies.

Fourthly, the study will explore the coping mechanisms and support systems available for abused and neglected children within the camp. This aspect of the study is significant as it can provide insights into the resilience of these children and the effectiveness of existing support systems. It can also identify gaps in the current support systems, informing the development of more comprehensive and effective interventions.

Furthermore, the findings of this study could have implications beyond the specific context of the IDP camp in Gamboru-Ngala, Borno State. Child abuse and neglect are global issues, and insights gained from this study could potentially inform interventions in other similar settings.

Lastly, this study underscores the importance of protecting the rights and wellbeing of children in vulnerable situations. By highlighting the issue of child abuse and neglect in IDP camps, it contributes to broader efforts to advocate for the rights of children, particularly those in crisis situations. The study, therefore, has both immediate practical implications and broader societal significance.

• Scope of the Study

The Effect of Child Abuse and Neglect on the Educational Performance of children in Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Gamboru-Ngala Borno State.

• Operational Definition of Terms

1. Effect: This refers to the result or outcome of a particular action, cause, or event. It’s the change that is directly caused by an action or a series of actions.
2. Child Abuse: This is a term used to describe the physical, sexual, emotional mistreatment, or neglect of a child or children. It involves actions by an adult that can harm or endanger a child’s physical or emotional health and development.
3. Neglect: This is a form of abuse where a caregiver or responsible adult fails to provide adequate care, supervision, affection, or medical attention to a child or adult. It can be physical, emotional, educational, or medical.
4. Educational Performance: This term refers to how well a student is achieving in their academic work. It can be measured through grades, standardized test scores, attendance, and participation in class activities.
5. Children: This term refers to individuals who are in the stage of life between birth and adolescence. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as “every human being below the age of eighteen years unless, under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.”
6. Internally Displaced Persons Camp: This is a temporary settlement or camp where people who have been forced to leave their homes due to factors like conflict, violence, natural disasters, or human rights violations, but who have not crossed an internationally recognized state border, are housed. These camps provide basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and medical care.

 

Project – The Effect of Child Abuse and Neglect on the Educational Performance of children in Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Gamboru-Ngala Borno State.