The Impact of Parental Migration on Emotion and Behaviour of Children Left Behind in Southern Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract:Though remittance from parental migration contributed to poverty reductions, and the material well-being of children and families left behind, a significant part of the story is omitted. This article explored the impact of parental migration as experienced and perceived by children left behind and caregivers in two woredas Southern Wollo, Ethiopia whose one and both of their parents had migrated abroad. Accordingly, data were qualitatively gathered from 13 children whose parents migrated from two woredas of Southern Wollo, Ethiopia. Moreover, 12 caregivers taking care of children left behind were selected purposely. The results of the study showed that though children became aware of the reasons behind the migration of their parents they do not want their parents to migrate abroad leaving them behind. It was also found that left-behind children experienced feelings of separation, insecurity, sadness, depression, poor social relations, and lack of motivation in schooling following their parents’ migration. To mitigate the problem families, governmental and non-governmental organizations that have a stake in children’s lives shall play a role in supporting and intervening in the problem accordingly.