Abstract:
The desire for better standard of living has led to the migration of
people, since the dawn of human history. Migrant parents, in host
countries, are sending their children to their country of origin owing
mostly to social and economic factors. Little attention has been paid to
the integration challenges faced by these children in the areas of food,
language and education. The paper examines the coping strategies of
children sent home from abroad ("posted children") in selected
schools in the Greater Accra Region. In-depth interviews and case
studies were used to assess these challenges and coping strategies
faced by the children. The findings show that the children initially had
difficulties integrating into the educational system but settled in with
time. In addition, they all had difficulties with disciplinary practices in
school which they perceived as infringement on their human rights.
They had no problem with food as they were used to Ghanaian dishes
whilst abroad. Language was an issue initially but most posted
children readily overcame this challenge.