This research aims to gain insight into the perspectives and experiences of children who
spend their time living and/or working on the streets of Sarajevo, Bosnia and
Herzegovina. The research focuses on three key aspects: the factors that contributed to
their presence on the streets, the life experiences of street children, and the role of work
in their lives.
The research is positioned within the philosophy of childhood studies, with an emphasis
on key concepts such as listening to children's voices and recognizing children as social
actors. This allows for a more in-depth understanding of children's worlds from their
perspectives, recognizing that they have significant knowledge about their own
experiences.
The research methodology is based on a qualitative research design, using an
ethnographic approach and combining the methods of occasional conversations,
observations, and individual drawings. The fieldwork was conducted over a period of 7
weeks, and included research both in a day center and on the streets of Sarajevo in
order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the context and experiences of children.
A total of 16 children participated in the research. Fieldnotes based on observations and
interviews were essential for data analysis.
The analysis of the findings of this research indicates the complexity of the factors that
lead to children ending up on the street, with socioeconomic factors playing a significant
role. Children who spend their time on the street have a distinct daily experience that is
influenced by a variety of factors, with their relationships with others being especially
important. Life on the street provides certain benefits to children, but at the same time,
it presents many challenges that they have to face. The analysis also reveals that work is
an important aspect of the lives of street children, either as a source of income, a way to
survive, or a means of achieving independence.