The place of children in Awra Amba community, northern Ethiopia

This study explores the place of children through the lenses of generational and gender relationships in Awra Amba community, Northern Ethiopia. It discusses what childrens life from gender and generational perspective look like in the community. The study is based on the following research questions. What are the social values and roles of children in the community? What does gender relationship among children and between children and adults look like in Awra Amba community? What is special about children of Awra Amba Community? To document the place of children through answering these questions, the study employs qualitative research methods such as in-depth interview, focus group discussion, observation, informal dialogue and home visit. These qualitative methods were used as the issue to be explored needed a complex and detailed understanding. In other words, the research project was qualitative in its nature because the researcher needed an intricate and thorough understanding of the issue. Participants were children whose age ranges from 12-15 years and their parents (both mothers and fathers) whose age ranges from 32-40 and 48-72 respectively and the community's founder.

Abebe E. Assefa studied MPhil in childhood studies at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, MSW in social work with children, youth and family at Addis Ababa University, and BSc in rural development and family sciences at Hawassa University. He worked as graduate assistant, assistant lecturer and researcher at Hawassa University.