The working conditions of the children working at the street: The example of Malatya

Most of the studies about the working children in Turkey are in specific sectors. However, the studies about the children working at street are very limited.The aim of this study is, to determine the current situation and the problems of the children working at streets in Malatya and develop solutions. In this study, the method of purposeful examplification and descriptive analysis are used. The research is carried out in the city centre and 75 children, ages between 7?16 (69 boys and 6 girls) are involved to study. A survey consisting of 30 questions to the children working at street was prepared and informations were collected and evaluated by the researcher. The data has been shown also, at scattegrams of frequency and percentage.According to the findings, a great majority of the children working at streeet are male and at the age of 10?15. Their families are poor and have low incomes. Most of the children have 3 or more brothers/sisters. They sell foodstuff like bagels or goods like paper napkins, polish shoes and try to earn money. They work at their leisure time after school during the whole year. Nearly all of them go to school. Their working conditions are harsh, dangerous and tiring. They usually earn less than minimum wage. Most of them have lack of nourisment. They return home in the evenings. They may not have bad habits for now but they are quite open to these kinds of dangers.In the light of the findings, policy and solution offers are presented. By this way, it?s aimed to take a step and be helpful for the future researches.Key Words: Child at the street, Working child, working child at the street.