The possible role of street children in museum public programmes and activities: a case study of fort Jesus museum, Mombasa, Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed at establishing the possible role of street children in museum public programmes and activities. It was carried out in July 2005. The research used Fort Jesus Museum located in Mombasa, Kenya, as a case study, and sought to establish the possible role street children can play in museum programmes and activities and the barriers that exist between museums and their community in developing programmes and activities for the street children. The study aimed at suggesting strategies to help maximize street children's involvement and participation in museum public programmes and activities. Data were collected using structured and key informat interviews. The data collected with structured interviews were coded, entered into the computer and analysed using excel. The findings are presented using tables, frequencies, percentages and pie charts. Data collected from key informat interviews were analysed thermatically and used to bolster the findings from the structured interviews. The reseach findings show that street children are not involved and have never been involved in museum programmes and activities at Fort Jesus Museum. Only children from formal schools are involved in these programmes and activities. Fort Jesus Museum should therefore design programmes and activities which cater for street children and not only those in formal schools. It should cater for all segments of the community, including the disadvantaged groups such as street children.