Assessing the Impacts of Child Trafficking on Children`s Educational Development. Case Study: Hangha Community, Kenema District.

Abstract Trafficking of children is one of the fastest growing illegal trades, yet there is very little documented evidence on the problem, particularly in developing countries. This study analyses the domestic child trafficking in Sierra Leone, focusing on its nature, forms, incidence and implications on educational development. It also investigates the role of stakeholders in fighting children trafficking. Based on interviews and questionnaires with trafficked children families in Kenema district, Eastern region and trafficked children in Hangha community, it was found that children of school age being forced into situations of labour and sexual exploitation every year as a result of extreme poverty in the rural areas. Despite the guarantee in country’s constitution and existence of policies for Free Basic Education, the parents still supposed to pay “hidden” costs for uniforms, examinations, desks and supplies, this made most parents or guardians unable to pay, hence, large number of children not attending