Study of the Desperate Future of Eldest Children in Rural Families

Abstract

Attached

In fact, it is increasingly recognized that nearly 70% of Sri Lankan communities still living in rural settings or in close proximities of plantation sector with minimal infra structural facilities. Hence they used to earn their living income either being employed in the plantation or through other ways, and it is typical that eldest children are entrusted to take care varied family needs when parents are busy in their daily work. Taking care of younger brothers and sisters, cooking, washing clothes are some of the tasks assigned to them. However, it was revealed that this practice had ushered negative effects such as higher drop-out on education and also causing diverse impact on their childhood. The objective of this study is to identify the causes and effects that influence the adolescents due to the prevalent causes explained above. Also intended to diagnose the impact caused on the adolescents and their education and psycho-physical growth and very specially to study possible strategic interventions that can set in motion within rural communities to create positive living status of children and adolescents as well. It is also necessary to initiate productive dialogue too, to discuss best possible ways to implement appropriate social action once the facts revealed on the poor responses of parents such as the carelessness or disregarding risks of abusing adolescents. In this regard, a sample survey was steered in 12 villages comprising with a sample of 475 families within 5 Divisional Secretarial divisions.