Beyond Rescue: Child Trafficking, Educational Access and Reintegration in Eastern Sierra Leone

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 11:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Global Contexts, Educational Access and Learning

Abstract

Child trafficking poses a major barrier to education in Sierra Leone’s Eastern
Province. This mixed-methods study examines how trafficking affects children’s school
enrollment, dropout, attainment, and type of schooling. Quantitative analysis of survey
data on 4,479 children (ages 5-17) across Kailahun, Kenema, and Kono districts found
that trafficking was not a statistically significant predictor of enrollment or dropout after
adjusting for key factors, but boys were less likely to be enrolled, and children in Kenema
had better outcomes than those in Kailahun. Interviews and focus groups with survivors
revealed stigma, educational disruption, and challenges to reintegration. Findings
highlight the need for localized, trauma-informed interventions aligned with Sierra
Leone’s Free Quality School Education initiative and global education and child
protection goals.

Authors

• Liu Liu, University of Georgia

• Anna Cody, University of Georgia

• David Okech, University of Georgia

• Hui Yi, University of Georgia

• Anne Waswa, University of Georgia

• Pedro Goulart, University of Georgia