Using reflective poems to describe the lived experiences of street children and adolescents in Ghana

Abstract

These two poems emerged from my qualitative research with homeless youth in Accra Central, Ghana. I was overwhelmed at how this method of research rarely used in Ghana offers a researcher the opportunity to capture participants' subjective feelings, and the complexities of their perceptions and experiences of a phenomenon. The aim of the study was to examine the lived experiences of street youth and to explore factors that enhance their survival on the street. These reflective poems shed light on the experiences of both the street youth and researcher, as captured in my reflective journal during the research. It was difficult winning the trust of the street youth, but when the trust was won, it became a worthy journey to understanding the complexities of their daily lives.