Exploring the Root Causes of Rural to Urban Child Migration in Gondar

Ethiopia has experienced political instability, war, famine, and economic hardship over the course of its history. As a result, Ethiopia has known many types of migration over the years. Moreover, Ethiopia has known large internal migration flows. The majority of literature on migration has focused on adults and rarely have migrant children’s own perspectives been heard. Consequently, inadequate assumptions have been made about child migrants’ lives. Most studies have also indicated that there has been a particular focus on: ‘Trafficked children, street children, and AIDS orphans’ but ordinary child migrants’ stories have been hidden. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand what lead children for migration in general and to explore the real lived experiences of child migrants by focusing on child migrants who are currently engaged in construction industry and domestic works. The study employed a qualitative phenomenological study research design that involved purposive sampling technique to undertake this study. In-depth interview was used to collect data from the respondents of the study.